Tony Blair officially resigned from British Prime Minister

Tony Blair officially resigned as British prime minister after serving a decade in the position. Gordon Brown, former Treasury chief, became the new prime minister on Wednesday.

As is tradition, the change in power took place at the Buckingham Palace. Blair asked Queen Elizabeth II to submit his resignation and Brown was named the new prime minister.

“This will be a new government with new priorities,” Brown said. “I’ve been privileged with the great opportunity to serve my country.”

At his final appearance as British Prime Minister Blair said, “I wish everyone – friend or foe – well. And that is that. The end.” Blair also apologized for the difficulties faced by British troops in Iraq and Afghanistan but did not apologize for his decision to back the U.S. in the war on terror.

"I am truly sorry about the dangers that they face today in Iraq and Afghanistan," Blair said. "I know some may think that they face these dangers in vain; I don't and I never will. I believe they are fighting for the security of this country and the wider world against people who would destroy our way of life.”

"Whatever view people take of my decisions, I think there is only way view to take of them: they are the bravest and the best," Blair said.

President Bush said his farewells to his ally. "Tony's had a great run and history will judge him kindly. I've heard he's been called Bush's poodle. He's bigger than that,” Bush told Britain’s The Sun newspaper.

Brown, 56, will be watched closely by Britain for his policy on the war in Iraq.    

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