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Blair Becomes P.M.
Tony Blair left his new ministerial car at the gates of Downing Street and walked into office as Prime Minister - delayed all the way by large crowds of cheering and flag-waving well-wishers.
Speaking outside Number 10, he said the Labour Party had secured a mandate to bring the nation together.
He was aware, he said, of the "huge responsibility ... and the great trust the British people have placed in me."
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Tony and Cherie Blair explore inside 10 Downing Street
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The party had run for office as New Labour and would govern as New Labour, he said.
"It is a mandate to get those things done that desperately need doing for the future of Great Britain.
"This Labour government will govern in the interests of all of our people, and the whole of this nation. That I can promise you," he said.
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Celebrations outside Downing Street
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Briefings
Tony Blair had travelled to his audience with the Queen from his home in Islington, in north London - already in the Prime Ministerial car, and with the PM's security men in attendance. The cavalcade paused briefly after a short distance, for him to get out to wave to the crowds.
Mr Blair paid tribute to the "dignity and courage" of John Major over the past few days - and to the manner of his leaving office.
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The Blairs outside their new home
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Already, Mr Blair had been having briefings with senior civil servants. With Mr Major's agreement, he was made privy to state secrets - in particular concerning Britain's nuclear deterrent - so that what the bureaucrats regard as the seamless process of government could continue.
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