Thaindian News

London, May 12 (IANS) Eton and Oxford educated Conservative leader David Cameron, 43, has become the 53rd prime minister of Britain, ending 13 years of Labour rule and giving the country its first coalition government since World War II.

Promising a “proper and full coalition government”, Cameron stepped into 10, Downing Street Tuesday, shortly after Labour’s Gordon Brown bid an emotional farewell.

Cameron got the top job after his party managed to seal a deal with the Liberal Democrats who held the key to government formation after voters threw up the country’s first hung parliament since 1974. Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg would be Cameron’s deputy.

The Conservative leader, who is six months younger than Tony Blair was when he won in 1997, is the youngest prime minister since 1812.

A beaming Cameron arrived at his new home Tuesday evening with his pregnant wife Samantha and he asked voters no longer to ask “just what you are owed, but what can I give”.

He said the nation faced “deep and pressing problems”, but pledged a “proper and full coalition” government with the Liberal Democrats that would focus on “rebuilding family, rebuilding community and above all rebuilding responsibility in our country”.

He promised that he and Clegg would “put aside party differences and work hard for the common good and the national interest”, Daily Mail reported.

US President Barack Obama was one of the first to congratulate Cameron, who is Britain’s youngest prime minister in 200 years.

Cameron Wednesday began appointing his first cabinet, with appointments of Liam Fox as defence secretary and Andrew Lansley as health secretary.

Clegg’s chief of staff, Danny Alexander is to be Scottish secretary, said the BBC.

“I hope this is the start of the new politics I have always believed in - diverse, plural, where politicians of different persuasions come together, overcome their differences in order to deliver good government for the sake of the whole country,” said Clegg.

The Liberal Democrats have agreed to Conservative proposals for a cap on non-EU migration, a move that would have an impact on Indians and those from other Asian nations.

The Conservative-Liberal Democrat alliance was sealed following days of tortuous talks and long periods of uncertainity.

Gordon Brown spoke from a lectern at 10 Downing Street, with wife Sarah by his side, before stepping down from office. He had served as prime minister for less than three years.

“I have always strived to serve, to do my best in the interests of Britain,” said Brown in a voice cracking with emotion.

He also paid tribute to his wife’s “unwavering support and her love” and to his two sons “for the love they bring to our lives”.

Following the bitterly contested election, the Tories came out with 306 seats - 20 short of an overall majority. The Liberal Democrats performed less than expected and bagged 57 seats. Labour got 258 seats.

Tuesday had begun with speculation that Liberal Democrats may strike a deal with Labour to form a minority government after Gordon Brown dramatically announced Monday to step down.

As the day wore on, it became increasingly clear that things were not moving in favour of Labour.

At 7.20 p.m., Brown announced his resignation, making way for Cameron to be the new prime minister of Britain.