June 27, 2007
Brown is Britain's 52nd PM By Prasun
Sonwalkar
London
Gordon Brown Wednesday became the 52nd individual to take over as
Britain's prime minister, entering 10, Downing Street, a residence
that has been the setting for some of history's greatest politicians
and epochal moments.
As the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Brown lived next door, in 11,
Downing Street. He physically moves a short distance into 10,
Downing Street, but he has had to wait for over 10 years to do this.
Britain's first prime minister was Sir Robert Walpole, who held
office during 1721-42. According to the official history of 10,
Downing Street, he is regarded as the first British prime minister,
but Walpole would not have described himself as such.
"The title was originally a term of abuse, not status, and was not
officially recognised until 1905. Walpole did, however, have many of
the responsibilities and duties of the modern office of prime
minister.
"He gave the position of chief political minister new authority by
winning the support of both king and parliament. Walpole was also
the first to live and work in 10 Downing Street. He was a large man,
with a direct and earthy manner, a colourful personality and a
brilliant mind."
When the Labour Party won the 1997 general election by a landslide,
after 18 years in the opposition, at the age of 43, Tony Blair
became the youngest prime minister since Lord Liverpool in 1812.
Britain's youngest prime minister, however, was Conservative William
Pitt, who assumed office at the age of 24 from 1783-1801 and 1804-6.
The longest prime ministerial tenure has been that of Sir Robert
Walpole, who held the office for 20 years and 314 days. The longest
serving prime minister in contemporary era has been Margaret
Thatcher, who held the office for 11 years and 209 days from 1979 to
1990.
Describing the tumultuous days that 10, Downing Street has seen over
centuries, the official history says:
"Behind the quiet façade of this famous black door lie many secrets.
Number 10 has been the setting for violent riots, passionate protest
and surprising activities.
"It has been the nerve centre of the British government through two
World Wars. Pioneering policies have been developed inside its walls
and world-changing meetings have been chaired by Britain's greatest
leaders.
"It is used as a busy office and workplace for the Prime Minister
and the staff employed to support him in his role. Not least it is
also home to the PM and his family.
"Downing Street began its association with the office of the prime
minister in 1730. That the house is still being used today by Tony
Blair is down to the refusal of first-ever PM Robert Walpole to
accept the house as a personal gift. Instead he insisted it be used
by future 'First Lords of the Treasury'.
"During its history the house has undergone major development to be
turned into a grand residence fit for the most powerful politician
in the country."
In February 2005, Tony Blair became the Labour Party's
longest-serving prime minister, overtaking the combined length of
Harold Wilson's two terms during the 1960s and 1970s.
With resignation on Wednesday, Margaret Thatcher continues to hold
the record of the longest serving prime minister in contemporary
times.
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