Gordon Brown elected as Labour leader

London, June 25 Chancellor Gordon Brown was elected Labour leader yesterday, before replacing Tony Blair to become Britain's next premier on Wednesday.

But the Gordon Brown onslaught is already under way, because an election could come sooner than previously expected no ''snap election'' this year, but quite possibly one in summer or autumn next year.

In his speech Mr Brown said, ''I accept the privilege and the great responsibility of leading our party and changing our country.'' adding that a new government would be formed in the next week with new priorities to meet the new challenges ahead.

He described himself as a 'conviction politician.' ''I joined this party as a teenager because I believed in these values. They guide my work, they are my moral compass,'' he said.

Talking about the challenges of globalisation, Mr Brown said, ''I believe in a British economy founded on dynamic, flexible markets and open competition. But for workers undercut by employers in this country, who break the law by paying less than the minimum wage, we will act.'' He said there was a need to be more vocal for the common ground upon which the nation stood, the shared British values of liberty, civic duty and fairness to all. ''In the return for opportunity for all we expect and demand responsibility from all to learn English, contribute to and respect the culture we build together,'' he added.

Irrespective of one's class, colour or creed, every individual citizen had the right to rise according to his talents. ''Our way of life was to reject the prejudice and discrimination practised by those who preach xenophobia and racism,'' he pointed He also said, ''Don't let anyone tell you the choice at the next election will be change with other parties and no change with Labour. Because when I take office on Wednesday I will heed and lead the call of change.'' Mr Brown promised the people of Britain to work hard to serve them. He concluded, ''This week marks a new start and the new government, I will lead, belongs to the people of Britain.''

UNI

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