gordon brows resigns as uk PM

[jock2007]

Gordon Brown: "Thank you and goodbye"

Labour's Gordon Brown has resigned as UK prime minister after three years.

Mr Brown officially tendered his resignation to the Queen at Buckingham Palace, with Conservative leader David Cameron set to succeed him.

Speaking alongside his wife Sarah outside No 10 Downing Street, he said the job had been "a privilege" and wished his successor well.

He has stepped down as Labour leader and will be replaced by deputy Harriet Harman until a successor is elected.

However, Mr Brown will remain as a backbench MP in Parliament.

His decision comes as the Tories and Liberal Democrats are poised to agree a deal to form a government.

'Privilege to serve'

Mr Brown said he had taken the decision to resign after concluding he would not be able to form a government after days of talks between the parties.

In an emotional farewell speech outside No 10, Mr Brown said he had "loved the job" and it had been "a privilege to serve".

"Only those who have held the office of prime minister can understand the full weight of its responsibilities and its great capacity for good," he said.

"I have been privileged to learn much about the very best in human nature, and a fair amount, too, about its frailties, including my own.

"Above all, it was a privilege to serve and, yes, I love the job, not for its prestige, its titles and ceremony, which I do not love at all.


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"No, I loved the job for its potential to make this country I love fairer, more tolerant, more green, more democratic, more prosperous and more just - truly a greater Britain.

"In the face of many... challenges up to and including the global financial meltdown, I have always tried to serve, to do my best in the interests of Britain, its values and its people."

Anticipating Mr Cameron's appointment, Mr Brown said: "I wish the next prime minister well as he makes the important choices for the future."

His two young sons joined him and wife Sarah for his brief statement which ended with the words: "Thank you and goodbye."

After leaving the Palace, Mr Brown returned to Labour headquarters to thank party staff. He told them that the election defeat was "his fault and his fault alone".

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