Backgrounder: UK PM Blair announces departure

Source: CCTV.com | 05-11-2007 13:41

Ten years after sweeping into power, Prime Minister Tony Blair has announced his departure. Chancellor Gordon Brown now looks set to take over.

May 8th, just two days before Tony Blair announced his departure, rivals from Northern Ireland's troubled past took the oath of office as colleagues.

This marks the restoration of a power-sharing government in the territory.

Tony Blair and his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern witnessed the historic moment.

This may turn out to be good timing for Blair.

Although the UK has had consistent economic growth during Blair's years in office, his enthusiastic support for the US-led invasion of Iraq has reduced his popularity.

Blair's departure announcement will lead to a significant reshuffle of the cabinet in Britain with Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown currently the only serious contender.

Brown has been widely predicted to succeed Blair's position.

Prime Minister Tony Blair will be remembered for the Labour Party's first-ever three straight election wins.

And for dragging his party away from its left-wing roots to the center of British politics.

But analysts believe many difficulties will remain for the new cabinet after Blair's departure.

Editor:Du Xiaodan