UK's Brown vows to give power to the people

LONDON, May 11 (Reuters) Britain's leader-in-waiting Gordon Brown pledged today to put ''citizens in control'' and end personality-driven politics if he was elected to take over from his charismatic predecessor Tony Blair.

Launching his campaign to become leader of the ruling Labour party, Brown said his government would be a servant of the state, not handing down edicts from on high. It would listen to voters and not be afraid to admit mistakes and change course.

''I do not believe politics is about celebrity,'' finance minister Brown said. ''I have never believed that presentation can be a substitute for policy.

''This is the 21st century progressive view: the citizen in control. Being served, not told, by government. A servant state.'' Critics say Blair, blessed with a huge majority at the start of his rule, centralised power and bypassed parliament. He was also damaged by allegations that political parties nominated people for state honours in return for funding.

''Government must be more open and accountable to parliament.

For example, in decisions about peace and war, in public appointments and in a new ministerial code of conduct,'' Brown said.

Britain would stand by its UN obligations in Iraq, but Brown admitted mistakes had been made and said the emphasis must change: greater economic development and political reconciliation to give all Iraqis a stake in their future.

Blair's popularity suffered after he sent British forces to join the 2003 US-led invasion. A Labour Party rebellion in September forced him to say he would quit within a year, Brown, who has waited impatiently in the wings for the top job, got the green light yesterday when Blair said he would step down as prime minister on June 27 after 10 years in power.

Blair's resignation triggered a party leadership contest and Brown is the only contender so far. The new Labour leader automatically becomes prime minister.

Labour lags the main opposition Conservatives badly in opinion polls and Brown needs to regain the support of the English middle classes if he is to win the next national election, expected in 2009.

BLAIR BACKING The economy has been one of Brown's trump cards but critics say the housing boom that made thousands of people paper millionaires has raised inequality and put property ownership out of the reach of many.

As finance minister, Brown also boosted spending on public services such as health and education massively although his Labour Party is not reaping rewards at the polls.

Brown said public services would be a priority of his leadership and he pledged to provide affordable housing for all.

Blair enthusiastically backed Brown's bid to become Britain's next leader and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pledged to maintain strong transatlantic ties.

''I am absolutely delighted to give my full support to Gordon as the next leader of the Labour Party and prime minister, and to endorse him fully,'' Blair told reporters.

Brown has stressed the need for strong ties with Washington but he will want to avoid being portrayed as President George W Bush's lapdog, a criticism often levelled at Blair in Britain.

''Britain and America will always be friends, and I know that we will work very, very well with Gordon Brown when he becomes prime minister,'' Rice said on BBC radio.

REUTERS SYU RAI1838