Brown to succeed Blair as rival concedes defeat

Britain's Chancellor Gordon Brown has cleared the final hurdle to succeed Tony Blair as the Prime Minister as his only rival, left-winger John McDonnell, has conceded defeat in the race for the top post.

The 56-year-old Brown secured the backing of enough Labour MPs to ensure he will not face a contest to become the next Labour leader and Prime Minister.

Brown got an overwhelming 308 nominations from the 353 MPs while McDonnell fell 16 nominations  short of the 45 required. Brown should now take over unopposed after Blair steps down on 27 June.

McDonnell, who did not even get enough nominations to mount a challenge, said last night: "With Gordon Brown having gained 308 nominations from Labour MPs, it is now mathematically impossible for me to reach the nominations to stand." He said he was disappointed on behalf of Labour Party members and it was a "blow to democracy".

"Naturally I congratulate Gordon and wish him every success, but it is a great shame that Labour Party members will not be allowed a vote on the party's future direction."

Even bitter rivals of Brown - including former health secretary Alan Milburn - nominated him. Today is the last day for filing nominations.(PTI)