Britain's new leader Gordon Brown was appointing his senior circle of ministers Thursday after he ended a decade-long wait to become prime minister, stepping from Tony Blair's shadow determined to repair divisions over the unpopular Iraq war.

By Andrew Grice Political Editor It was an emotional day. One on which the normal laws of politics were suspended. Tony Blair was cheered out of the Commons with a standing ovation that broke all the rules.

An emotional Tony Blair resigned as prime minister Wednesday after a decade in power, clearing the way for Treasury chief Gordon Brown to take command of the government.

By Benedict Brogan scale of the challenge facing Mr TONY Blair's swansong appearance on the European stage was heading for a blistering row last night. Britain was looking dangerously isolated over the new treaty intended to replace the rejected EU constitution.

By LIAM CHRISTOPHER BRITISH officials are continuing urgent efforts to secure the release of five Britons kidnapped in Iraq, amid speculation they may have been taken in retaliation for the killing of a Mahdi Army militia leader.