LONDON, June 27: Gordon Brown took over from Tony Blair as British prime minister on Wednesday, finally stepping out of his predecessor’s shadow after 10 years and vowing to lead the country into a new era of change.

Within hours Mr Blair announced his resignation as a lawmaker, the United Nations confirmed his appointment as international envoy to the Middle East.

Mr Brown, who has been Tony Blair’s finance minister since 1997, pledged to lead a “new government with new priorities” after being asked to form the next government by Queen Elizabeth-II.

“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 the whole country,” he said.

Flanked by his wife Sarah outside the prime minister’s official residence at number 10 Downing Street, Mr Brown pledged to “listen and learn”, to implement changes in areas like health and education and build trust in government.

With a wave, the former chancellor of the exchequer (finance minister) then disappeared into number 10 for the first time as prime minister, to finalise his senior ministerial appointments.

Announcements were expected later Wednesday and Thursday, with a major reshuffle expected.

Tony Blair meanwhile headed to his Sedgefield constituency in northeast England, where he was to formally tell local Labour Party members that he would be stepping down as a lawmaker after 24 years.

His decision to resign as a member of parliament was confirmed by the Treasury, minutes after the United Nations in New York confirmed Mr Blair’s nomination as Mideast envoy.

“Following discussions among the principals, today the quartet dealing with the Middle East is announcing the appointment of Tony Blair as the quartet’s representative,” UN spokeswoman Michele Montas told a press briefing.—AFP