GORDON Brown has announced he is resigning a Prime minister.

Mr Brown said it had been ''a privilege to serve'' and wished his successor well.

He said he had ''loved the job, not for its prestige, its titles and its ceremony, which I do not love at all.

''No, I loved the job for its potential to make this country I love fairer, more tolerant, more green, more democratic, more prosperous, more just - truly a greater Britain.''

Speaking outside Number 10 with his wife Sarah standing by his side, his voice almost cracking, Mr Brown also said he was resigning immediately as Labour leader.

Mr Brown said: ''I wish the next prime minister well as he makes the important choices for the future.

''Only those who have held the office of prime minister can understand the full weight of its responsibilities and its great capacity for good.

''I have been privileged to learn much about the very best in human nature and a fair amount too about its frailties - including my own.''

Mr Brown then left Downing Street for Buckingham Palace holding hands with his Sarah and sons John and Fraser. before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation.

He said he would recommend Tory leader Mr Cameron becomes next Prime Minister.