Tony Blair has announced he will step down as Prime Minister on June 27, bringing to an end his 10-year stint in charge of the country. Blair first told Cabinet colleagues of his intentions at their regular 9am Thursday meeting at No 10, then travelled to his Sedgefield, Co Durham, constituency by plane to make a public pronouncement. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Home Secretary John Reid will also be leaving office at the same time. Blair's departure paves the way for current Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown to take over as Prime Minister. Blair will remain as Labour leader until his successor is formally elected at a special party conference, and as Prime Minister until he hands in his seals of office to the Queen.
Labour's National Executive Committee will meet within 72 hours to agree the exact timetable for an election to replace both Blair and his deputy John Prescott. The whole election process will take about seven weeks, meaning Brown - if he is elected - will take office some time in late June or early July.
