Menu
27/06/2007
Brown becomes Britain's Prime Minister
Gordon Brown has arrived at No 10 Downing Street after being asked to lead a new government as Britain's Prime Minister following his meeting with the Queen in Buckingham Palace.
Standing outside No 10 with his wife Sarah, Mr Brown said that he accepted the Queen's invitation to form a new government and pledged to "try my utmost" in his new role.
He told reporters that he felt greatly privileged to be granted "this great opportunity" and said that he would be "strong in purpose, steadfast in will, resolute in action, in the service of what matters to the British people, meeting the concerns and aspirations of our whole country".
Mr Brown said that he had "heard the need for change" and said that his priority areas were education, health, affordable housing and restoring trust in government.
He said that work would now begin on building a "new government with new priorities" and said: "Britain can be the great global success story of this century... there is no weakness in Britain today that cannot be overcome by the strength of the British people.
"Now let the work of change begin."
Mr Brown is expected to begin a Cabinet reshuffle this afternoon, by naming his replacement as Chancellor and also a new Home Secretary. The current Home Secretary John Reid has already announced his intention to stand down from the post.
The full Cabinet reshuffle is expected to be completed on Thursday. On Wednesday afternoon, Patricia Hewitt announced her intention to step down as Health Secretary.
Conservative leader David Cameron has congratulated Mr Brown on becoming Prime Minister but called on him to hold an immediate general election, because he was not elected prime minister.
Mr Brown replaces Tony Blair as Prime Minister. It was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that Mr Blair will become a peace envoy for the Middle East on behalf of the Quartet powers - the US, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia.
(KMcA)
Standing outside No 10 with his wife Sarah, Mr Brown said that he accepted the Queen's invitation to form a new government and pledged to "try my utmost" in his new role.
He told reporters that he felt greatly privileged to be granted "this great opportunity" and said that he would be "strong in purpose, steadfast in will, resolute in action, in the service of what matters to the British people, meeting the concerns and aspirations of our whole country".
Mr Brown said that he had "heard the need for change" and said that his priority areas were education, health, affordable housing and restoring trust in government.
He said that work would now begin on building a "new government with new priorities" and said: "Britain can be the great global success story of this century... there is no weakness in Britain today that cannot be overcome by the strength of the British people.
"Now let the work of change begin."
Mr Brown is expected to begin a Cabinet reshuffle this afternoon, by naming his replacement as Chancellor and also a new Home Secretary. The current Home Secretary John Reid has already announced his intention to stand down from the post.
The full Cabinet reshuffle is expected to be completed on Thursday. On Wednesday afternoon, Patricia Hewitt announced her intention to step down as Health Secretary.
Conservative leader David Cameron has congratulated Mr Brown on becoming Prime Minister but called on him to hold an immediate general election, because he was not elected prime minister.
Mr Brown replaces Tony Blair as Prime Minister. It was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that Mr Blair will become a peace envoy for the Middle East on behalf of the Quartet powers - the US, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 April 2008
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
25 July 2007
More homes evacuated as flood misery continues
Around 250 homes have been evacuated in Oxford as the city became the latest area of Britain to be affected by flooding. The homes were evacuated in the Osney area of the city and some residents seeking shelter stayed in Oxford United's Kassam stadium.
More homes evacuated as flood misery continues
Around 250 homes have been evacuated in Oxford as the city became the latest area of Britain to be affected by flooding. The homes were evacuated in the Osney area of the city and some residents seeking shelter stayed in Oxford United's Kassam stadium.
16 January 2006
Baby joy for Chancellor Gordon Brown
The wife of Chancellor Gordon Brown is pregnant, a Treasury spokesperson has announced. Mr Brown's wife Sarah is expecting the baby in July and the spokesperson said that the couple were "absolutely delighted" with the news. Mr and Mrs Brown have a two-year-old son John, who is named after the Chancellor's father.
Baby joy for Chancellor Gordon Brown
The wife of Chancellor Gordon Brown is pregnant, a Treasury spokesperson has announced. Mr Brown's wife Sarah is expecting the baby in July and the spokesperson said that the couple were "absolutely delighted" with the news. Mr and Mrs Brown have a two-year-old son John, who is named after the Chancellor's father.
25 September 2014
Keith Brown MSP Announces Intention To Stand For Deputy Leadership Of SNP
Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, has officially launched his campaign to become deputy leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). It comes after Nicola Sturgeon, deputy first minister of Scotland and deputy leader of the SNP announced she would seek to become the country's first minister and leader of the party.
Keith Brown MSP Announces Intention To Stand For Deputy Leadership Of SNP
Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, has officially launched his campaign to become deputy leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). It comes after Nicola Sturgeon, deputy first minister of Scotland and deputy leader of the SNP announced she would seek to become the country's first minister and leader of the party.
31 July 2007
Brown Announces Possible Breakthrough In Darfur Crisis
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced a possible breakthrough in efforts to bring peace in crisis-torn Darfur.
Brown Announces Possible Breakthrough In Darfur Crisis
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced a possible breakthrough in efforts to bring peace in crisis-torn Darfur.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
