Brown pledges 'new public service spirit'

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Ben Hall, Political Correspondent
Gordon Brown on Wednesday began assembling a fresh government team as he promised a change of priorities and a "new spirit of public service" after replacing Tony Blair as Britain's prime minister.
Ushering in a fresh era in British politics as he moved into 10 Downing
Street, the prime minister's official residence, Mr Brown promised to "reach out beyond narrow party interests" and assemble an administration "of all the talents", beginning on Thursday with his cabinet line-up.
At least six members of Mr Blair's outgoing cabinet are leaving or facing the axe - including Margaret Beckett, the foreign minister - as the new prime minister attempts to mark a fresh start for a Labour government tarnished by the war in Iraq and the strains of a decade in power.
Mr Brown will promote several loyal allies to key positions, including Ed Balls, his closest confidant. But he will also attempt to heal the wounds of recent years by promoting some of Mr Blair's younger followers, including david Miliband, who on Wednesday night appeared almost certain to replace Mrs Beckett as foreign secretary.
US president George W. Bush called to congratulate Mr Brown. "The two leaders reaffirmed the close bond between the US and the UK and agreed to continue the strong and cooperative relationship," said the White House.
Mr Bush also paid tribute to Mr Blair, describing him as a "visionary leader who has prepared his country to face challenges and opportunities over the horizon".
President Nicolas Sarkozy of France invited Mr Brown to Paris, telling him he wanted to "work very closely".
Speaking after a meeting with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, at which he was formally invited to form a new government, Mr Brown said his mission was nothing less than to turn the UK into "the great global success story of the 21st century".
Standing on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street, Mr Brown evoked his school motto as his guiding principle: "I will try my utmost". "This is my promise to all the people of Britain," he continued. "And now let the work of change begin."
Mr Brown's evocation of his modest Scots background was intended as a reminder that his origins are humbler than those of the leader of the opposition Conservatives, David Cameron, who was educated at Eton, Britain's top private school.
Mr Brown's homespun tone also contrasted with the theatricality of hi predecessor, as did the manner of his arrival in 10 Downing Street. The new prime minister and his wife Sarah posed only briefly for photographers at the front door, with the slightest of smiles and their children conspicuously absent.
Mr Brown comes to power with political momentum after being elected unopposed as Labour leader last month.
The handover proved smoother than many government insiders feared, with Mr Brown suggesting he would bring bigger changes of style than substance.
In recent months he has hammered home his commitment to Mr Blair's controversial market-based reforms to health and education, in spite of often appearing ambivalent about these policies in the past. He has also indicated there will be no change to Britain's strategy in Iraq.