Gordon Brown promised Britain a "new Government with new priorities" when he became Prime Minister this afternoon.
Arriving in Downing Street after accepting the Queen's invitation to form a Government, the man who has stood in the shadow of Tony Blair for 13 years, first in reforming the Labour party, then in office, said that he would bring change to the country and invite talented people from across the political divide to help him.
"Now let the work of change begin," said Mr Brown.
The focus of national attention finally fell squarely on Mr Brown, who, at 56, is two years older than Mr Blair, when he emerged from Buckingham Palace just before three o'clock this afternoon as Britain's 52nd Prime Minister.
Five minutes later, he climbed out of the Prime Minister's armour-plated car with his wife, Sarah, and spoke his first words to the British public as their leader.
"I have just accepted the invitation of Her Majesty the Queen to form a Government," he said. "This will be a new Government with new priorities and I have been privileged to have been granted the great opportunity to serve my country."
"At all times I will be strong in purpose, steadfast in will and resolute in action in the service of what matters most to the British people: meeting the concerns and aspirations of the whole country... I want the best of chances for everyone, that is my mission."
The Times Online
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