Tony Blair announces resignation

Making public his decision at a gathering of supporters of his Labour Party here, 54-year-old Blair said he would tender his resignation on 27th June.

He also chronicled his achievements since he assumed power in 1997.

Blair recollected that 1997 was a "moment for a new beginning, the sweeping away of all the detritus of the past, and expectations were so high, too high probably..."

"Britain is no more a follower, it is a leader today," said Blair, who saw his approval ratings decline dramatically after he sent British troops to back the US-led military campaign in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Blair said his government was the only one since 1947 that could claim achievements like providing more jobs, cutting unemployment, improving healthcare and education, lowering crime and boosting the economy.

"Now in 2007 you an easily point to challenges and grievances that fester, but go back to 1997. Think back about your own living standards, then in May 1997 and now," he told Labour Party workers.

Britain, he said, now plays a major role in the global arena and has a voice in all key areas, whether it is global warming, the fight against terror or Africa's battle against poverty.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown is expected to succeed Blair. - DDnews India