UK's popular finance chief closer to becoming premier

British finance minister Gordon Brown, dubbed as 'iron chancellor' is now seen as a Prime Minister in waiting.

British finance minister Gordon Brown, dubbed the "iron chancellor" for his eight-year-long strict stewardship of his country's economy, is now seen as an even more of a prime minister in waiting than he was before the general election after playing a key role in the campaign.

HT Image

Dubbed "Tony Blair's human shield," the fact that Brown appeared alongside the Labour leader for much of the campaign was viewed as reassuring the party's traditional supporters who were unhappy with the prime minister's deep personal backing for the war in Iraq.

But the 54-year-old, who has overcome personal tragedy to steer Britain along a path of sustained economic growth, high employment and lower interest rates, could yet have to wait a while longer before before taking over the top job.

Blair has pledged to serve a full term in government, effectively four more years in office. However, the fact that Labour's majority has been slashed by over half may lessen Blair's desire to cling to power.

That in turn may lead to a quicker handover to Brown, widely regarded as the only current credible alternative as party leader.

This would see the fulfilment of what is said to be a longstanding promise by Blair to step down in favour of Brown.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Brown became Britain's longest-serving finance chief,without interruption, last June.

He beat a record set almost a century ago by David Lloyd George, who served as chancellor for seven unbroken years and 43 days from 1908 to 1915.