Gordon Brown says he will resign as PM and Labour leader
Gordon Brown says he will resign as PM and Labour leader
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Monday, 10, May 2010 07:48
By Matthew Champion.
Gordon Brown has confirmed he will resign as Labour leader and prime minister if it will help bring about the formation of a "progressive coalition government".
Mr Brown's extraordinary declaration on the steps of Downing St was accompanied by the revelation that Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg had asked for formal talks with Labour on the formation of a governing coalition.
Since last Thursday's general election threw up a hung parliament for the first time in 36 years Mr Clegg's party has been in talks with the Conservatives over such a deal.
But despite negotiators on both sides reporting good progress, after Lib Dem MPs requested "clarification" on the key issues of education spending, fair taxes and electoral reform, Mr Clegg formally requested accompanying talks with Labour on the formation of a potential coalition government.
Britain has been in a state of flux since last Thursday's general election, which saw the Tories win the most votes and seats but fall short of an overall majority.
"We have a parliamentary and not presidential system in this country and as I said on Friday with no party able to command a parliamentary majority after the general election my constitutional duty as prime minister is to ensure the government continues while parties explore options for forming a new administration with majority support in the House of Commons," Mr Brown said in a statement delivered in front of No 10.
"I've said I would do all I could to ensure a stable, strong and principled government is formed, able to tackle Britain's economic and political challenges effectively.
"As we know the Liberal Democrats felt they should first talk to the Conservative party, and Mr Clegg has just informed me that while he intends to continue his dialogue that he has begun with the Tories he now wishes to take forward formal negotiations with Labour party.
"I believe it is sensible and in the national interest to respond positively."
Mr Brown, who said that a deficit reduction plan was the priority of all the parties, said he thought there was a "progressive majority" in Britain that could form the basis for a progressive coalition government including Labour, the Lib Dems and a host of other minor parties.
The prime minister said he would step down from No 10 and also as Labour leader to help the formation of a coalition government as senior figures from the Lib Dems and his own party had privately indicated in recent days.
"I would however like to say something also about my own position," Mr Brown continued.
"If it becomes clear that the national interest which is a stable and principled government can be best served by Labour and the Liberal Democrats then I believe I should discharge the duty to form the government which would in my view command a majority in the Queen's speech and any other confidence votes.
"But I have no desire to stay in my position longer than is needed to secure economic stability and for the process of political reform to move forward quickly.
"The reason we have a hung parliament was no single party or leader was able to win the full support of the country.
"As leader of my party I accept that is a judgment on me. I intend to ask the Labour party to set in train the process for its own leadership election. I would hope it would be completed in time for a new leader to be in post by the time of the next conference.
"I will play no part in that contest and back no individual candidate."
Mr Brown added: "On Thursday the country were telling us they want a new politics and political reform and in the coming weeks I will help deliver that change and facilitate discussions that the Liberal Democrat party has asked for."
Mr Cameron is currently hosting a meeting of Tory MPs in Westminster.