Brown hints at polls in 2008

British Chancellor Gordon Brown has put the ruling Labour Party on high alert for a general election possibly next year.

British Chancellor Gordon Brown has put the ruling Labour Party on high alert for a general election possibly next year, immediately after taking over as its new Leader.

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In a significant move, Brown appointed new Deputy Labour Leader Harriet Harman as the party Chairman and Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander as his General Election Co-ordinator.

In his maiden speech as the new Labour Leader, Brown made it clear that the country is on the verge of a new era. "This week marks a new start," he said.

Brown is expected to make a comprehensive ministerial reshuffle. Brown's departure from his post of chancellor of the exchequer (finance minister), John Reid's decision not to stay on as home secretary and rumours that Margaret Beckett will depart as foreign secretary could mean that the four of the most important offices of state change hands at the same time.

HTC & Agencies