Brown crowned Labour leader

Gordon Brown has been crowned the new leader of Labour calling his role "an awesome responsibility."

Mr Brown promised to "justify every day" the trust his party had placed in him and said: "It is with humility, pride and a great sense of duty that I accept the privilege and the great responsibility of leading our party and changing our country."

Mr Brown singled out the NHS as his top priority but also promised action on education, housing, child poverty and the constitution.

The Chancellor was introduced on stage at a special party conference in Manchester by Prime Minister Tony Blair who he congratulated.

"Let me begin by personally thanking Tony Blair, a man who for ten years has borne the burden of leadership of our country," he said.

The Chancellor was formally named after making an unopposed bid to replace Tony Blair.

Harriet Harman has been elected as the deputy leader of the Labour Party and was also made Party Chair.

She narrowly beat Education Secretary Alan Johnson in the vote.

However, it is not guaranteed that she will become Deputy Prime Minister.

Hilary Benn, Hazel Blears, Jon Cruddas and Peter Hain were also nominated.

Mr Brown also announced Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander would be Labour's general election co-ordinator.

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