New British prime minister Gordon Brown's political skills face their first test today as he constructs a government promising "change" plus continuity and experience to carry Labour into the next general election, writes Frank Millar, London Editor.
Ten Downing Street last night refused to comment on speculation that Margaret Beckett will no longer serve as foreign secretary. Her departure would open the way to change in all three of the other major offices of state, with Alistair Darling heavily tipped to become the new chancellor but no clues as to who will succeed the departing John Reid as home secretary.
There were also unconfirmed reports health secretary Patricia Hewitt could be a reshuffle casualty following Mr Brown's promise to "reach out beyond narrow party interest" and "build a government that uses all the talents".
The new prime minister was speaking outside Number 10 after a historic day in which Tony Blair's dominance of British politics finally ended in an unprecedented standing ovation from all sides of the House of Commons, following his last appearance at prime minister's questions.
Mr Blair again defended his foreign policy, declaring himself "truly sorry" for the danger faced by Britain's armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, while insisting their sacrifices were not "in vain".
Then, having affirmed his belief in politics as still "the place for the pursuit of noble causes", Mr Blair signed off: "I wish everyone, friend or foe, well. And that is that. The end."
Conservative leader David Cameron encouraged Tory MPs to join the ovation which led an emotional Mr Blair to make a prompt departure from the chamber en route to a tearful farewell to Downing Street staff and an audience with Queen Elizabeth at which he formally tendered his resignation.
Mr Blair and his wife, Cherie, posed with their four children outside Number 10 before the two travelled to Buckingham Palace, with Mrs Blair smiling at the media, saying: "Bye. I don't think we'll miss you." However, the cameras followed the Blairs from the palace to the train taking the former prime minister to his Sedgefield constituency, where Mr Blair confirmed he was also standing down as an MP to accept his appointment by the US/UN/EU/Russian quartet as Middle East envoy.
Staff at the treasury cheered chancellor Brown as he headed to Buckingham Palace, accompanied by his wife Sarah, for the formal invitation to form a new government as Queen Elizabeth's 11th prime minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Mr Brown's audience with the queen lasted a reported 55 minutes, considerably longer than the formalities required - leading to speculation he may have been advising the monarch in detail about the changes he proposes to make in government and his thoughts on further constitutional reform.
Back in Downing Street, Mr Brown left no doubt that he is ready to spring surprises and determined to signal "change" in his quest to rebuild "trust" in the government.
"This will be a new government with new priorities," he promised.
"As I have travelled around the country and as I have listened and learned from the British people . . . I have heard the need for change."
That message was reinforced last night by Ed Balls, treasury minister and Mr Brown's right-hand man, seen by many as a future chancellor under a Brown premiership.
"It will be a change," said Mr Balls, because Mr Brown was a man to "take the tough decisions" but also because "he's optimistic about the future of our country".
Mr Brown spoke to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday, in an indication the new prime minister will attach continuing importance to the Anglo-Irish relationship.
Mr Ahern said Mr Brown was "a politician of exceptional experience and ability" and they had "agreed that our two Governments will continue to work closely together in the future."