'Astonishing moment' at Downing Street

'Astonishing moment' at Downing Street

Even in these unpredictable days - this was truly an astonishing moment.

The podium Gordon Brown uses for announcements was lifted into place. A young assistant made a quick sound check and then moved respectfully to the side.

Just a minute before five, he walked out, notes in hand, the thick black writing he needs because of his eyesight problems clearly visable.

He began talking about the business of government, what he and others had done today. The formality gave no hint of the importance of the announcement.

He revealed his Labour party was to begin formal talks with the Liberal Democrats about forming a government - something that clearly wasn't going to happen while Brown stayed in place.

"I have no desire to stay in my position longer than is needed to ensure the path to economic growth is assured and the process of political reform we have agreed moves forward quickly," he said.

It was clear now he felt his time was up.

"As leader of my party I must accept that that [the election result] is a judgment on me," he said.

"I therefore intend to ask the Labour Party to set in train the processes needed for its own leadership election."

Brown expressed the hope that this would allow a "progressive coalition" which would win support in parliament.

Many Liberal Democrats had expressed their concern at reaching a deal with the Conservatives, who clearly were not going to meet their central demand - a change in the voting system.

But it was thought that Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, would do no deal while Brown remained in charge. The prime minister's departure now makes a pact with Labour more likely.

Brown will stay as prime minister for the moment - but his days in charge, no matter who takes control, are now almost over.