"Thank-you and good bye." These were the final words of Gordon Brown, the former British Prime Minister, when he tendered his resignation in front of his loyal party supporters, as the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats sealed a deal to form the next government.
Remarkably, as the former PM was stepping out, David Cameron stepped in as the new Prime Minster at No.10 Downing Street, which is the official residence of
Just a few hours earlier, Brown had announced that he would resign before the end of the year. This was meant to pave the way for a 'proper discussion' between his party and the Liberals to form a coalition government.
However, that statement was short-lived, as the former Prime Minister suddenly followed up by declaring that he was quitting the top job to avoid further political wrangling.
Many of his supporters, who were expecting the Labour party to work with the Liberals, due to the 'similarity of their policies', received a rude shock when the former Prime Minister told them he was leaving for good.
He said he was 'privileged to serve' as Prime Minister, and wished his successor well.
According to the experts, who keenly monitored events, Brown who was still waiting for the Liberals to first speak to the Tories, was later informed in private that his two opponents have finally 'worked-out' their differences, and agreed to form a government.
Brown, who reminded the Liberals that they have 'several things in common', according to the experts, felt disappointed and soon afterwards left Downing Street for Buckingham Palace with his wife Sarah and sons, John and Fraser.
Many thought that probably the discussions were in favour of Brown, and that he was forming a government as the Liberals reportedly spoke to him 'positively,' a few hours earlier.
However, this was not the case. Brown was leaving office.
From his visit to the Queen, Brown said: 'I have informed the Queen's private secretary that it is my intention to tender my resignation to the Queen... If the Queen accepts, I shall advise her to invite the Leader of the Opposition to form a government.'
Brown in a sombre mood, but smiling added: "I wish the next Prime Minister well as he makes the important choices for the future... only those who have held the office of Prime Minister can understand the full weight of its responsibilities, and its great capacity for good."
Brown was also seen reading the back of the Labour membership card, and informing his supporters of the importance of unity amongst them. He also emotionally paid tribute to colleagues and staff, describing them as 'friends, as well as brilliant servants of the country.'
Interestingly, minutes after his sombre speech, David Cameron was seen entering No. 10 as the new Prime Minister. He announced: 'Her Majesty the Queen has asked me to form a new Government, and I have accepted'.
Cameron also paid tribute to Gordon Brown, and praised Brown's 'long record of dedicated public service.'
The new Prime Minister also acknowledged that 'after more than a decade of Labour rule,
The Tories have been working hard to replace Labour for 13 years, and they have finally succeeded in that respect. The new Prime Minister announced that he intended to form a 'proper and full coalition government with the Liberal Democrats'.
Cameron confirmed that he has 'some deep and pressing problems, including a huge deficit, deep social problems, a political system in need of reform.. And for this reason, I aim to form a proper and full coalition between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats'.
He said: "Nick Clegg and I are both political leaders who want to put aside party differences, and work hard for the common good and for the national interest".
Educated at Eton and
Cameron was also a Special Advisor in the Treasury and then at the Home Office until 1994. Later, Cameron was elected Conservative MP for Witney,
In 2004, he was Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, and had campaigned for the Tory leadership under the slogan, 'Change to Win'.
Already the political deadlock is reportedly easing, after experts in the financial markets had warned politicians to form a government soon, in order to avoid any further slow-down in the economy. There are now positive signs, as a new government takes charge.