Tony Blair announces resignation as prime minister of Britain

14 May, 2007: After ten years in power, British prime minister Tony Blair has decided to step down. Blair announced his resignation on Thursday.

Blair made the announcement at his constituency of Sedgefield, thus marking the end of ten years of his leadership with the Labour party.

Stakes are high on Gordon Brown to succeed Blair in the prime ministership. It is also said that Blair would support Brown's campaign as Blair had publicly stated that Brown would make a good prime minister.

The announcement did not create any surprises, as it was widely expected. But till the last minute, Blair kept the announcement and the timing of the announcement secret.

Blair said in his speech, "As for my leadership through out these ten years, where the predictable has competed with un-predicted, right on the onset on thing was clear to me – without the labour party allowing me to lead it, nothing could have been done."

Deputy prime minister John Prescott has also announced that he too will resign along with Blair.