Gordon Brown is new British PM

Gordon Brown today became the new British prime minister by accepting the Queen's invitation to form a government.

Waving from the steps of No.10 Downing Street he told journalists: “This will be a new government with new priorities…I have been privileged to have been granted the great opportunity to serve my country.”

Launching his new career on a platform of change Mr Brown said: “As I have travelled around the country and as I have listened and I have learned from the British people – and as prime minister I will continue to listen and learn from the British people.

“I have heard the need for change: change in our NHS; change in our schools; change with affordable housing; change to build trust in government; change to protect and extend the British way of life.

I have heard the need for change: change in our NHS; change in our schools; change with affordable housing; change to build trust in government; change to protect and extend the British way of life.

With an emotive tone he looked to curry further support from the electorate: “I am convinced that there is no weakness in Britain today that cannot be overcome by the strengths of the British people.”

Earlier Mr Brown visited Buckingham Palace where he met the Queen, arriving just minutes after his predecessor Tony Blair tendered his resignation to the monarch.

The tightly-choreographed transfer of power came after an emotional final appearance in the House of Commons for Mr Blair, who brandished his P45 and told MPs: “That is that. The end."

Mr Brown was invited to form a government after his unopposed election as Labour leader last weekend.

He was accompanied by wife Sarah as he went to the Palace to receive the appointment he has been working towards for much of his political life.

After saying his goodbyes to staff at Downing Street, Mr Blair left Number 10 for the last time as prime minister.

He was driven the short distance to Buckingham Palace for the last time in his prime-ministerial limousine, together with wife Cherie, emerging 20 minutes later as simply the MP for Sedgefield.

By lunchtime Mr Brown had swept into Downing Street as prime minister and promised the country: “At all times I will 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.

“I grew up in the town that I now represent in Parliament; I went to the local school. I wouldn’t be standing here without the opportunities that I received there and I want the best of chances for everyone.

“That is my mission: that if we can fulfill the potential and realise the talents of all our people then I am absolutely sure that Britain can be the great global success story of this century.”