Global General

Britain's David Cameron becomes PM; Brown out

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-05-12 06:38

Cameron, 43, said it would be "hard and difficult work" to govern as a coalition but added that Britain had serious economic issues to tackle. Cameron visited Buckingham Palace and was asked to form a government by Queen Elizabeth II less than an hour after Brown tendered his resignation to the monarch.

Britain's incoming Prime Minister, David Cameron, and his wife Samantha, wave in front of 10 Downing Street, in London May 11, 2010. [Agencies]

Cameron and Clegg's pact would be the first coalition government since World War II.

Arriving at London's Downing Street hand in hand with his wife Samantha, Cameron said he believed that Britain's "best days lie ahead."

Hundreds of onlookers, many of them booing, crowded the gates of Downing Street to watch on, as Cameron swept into his new home less than 90 minutes after an emotional Brown had made a farewell address.

"We have some deep and pressing problems — a huge deficit, deep social problems, a political system in need of reform," Cameron said. "For those reasons, I aim to form a proper and full coalition between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats."

"Nick Clegg and I are both political leaders who want to put aside party differences and work hard for the common good and for the national interest," Cameron said.

President Barack Obama telephoned Cameron, inviting him to the United States in July. The pair discussed Afghanistan, Iran, and the Middle East peace process, according to a statement released by the new prime minister's office. Cameron also fielded a call from German leader Angela Merkel, with whom he talked about the world economy.

Standing outside 10 Downing St. alongside his wife Sarah, Brown spoke in strained tones as he wished Cameron well.

"Only those who have held the office of prime minister can understand the full weight of its responsibilities and its great capacity for good," he said.