MANCHESTER, Sept 25: Finance Minister Gordon Brown staked his claim on Monday to be Britain’s next prime minister with a speech that eased some doubts about his ability to unite his beleaguered party and succeed Tony Blair.

Setting out a broad vision in an eagerly-awaited speech to the Labour Party’s annual conference, Mr Brown pledged further rises in education spending, more devolution of government powers and support for the fight against global warming.

He said he would keep the party firmly in the political centre if chosen to replace Mr Blair when he steps down as party leader and premier within the next year.

“I am confident that my experience and my values give me the strength to take the tough decisions. I would relish the opportunity to take on David Cameron and the Conservative Party,” Brown said to cheers and applause.

The youthful Cameron has rejuvenated the opposition Conservatives and put it ahead in the polls, but the next general election is not expected until 2009.

Commentators say both Blair and Brown have been damaged by party feuding this month that forced the premier to say he would quit within a year and sparked fierce attacks on Mr Brown’s character.—Reuters