BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: Tony Blair's big day

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Thursday, 10 May 2007, 14:12 GMT 15:12 UK

In pictures: Tony Blair's big day

Photographers and journalists gathered in Downing Street

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The attention of the world's media was focused on Tony Blair, on the day he made public his plans to quit as Labour leader.

David Miliband enters 10 Downing Street

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Thursday began with a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street, at which Mr Blair briefed colleagues on the timing of departure.

Gordon Brown enters 11 Downing Street

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Chancellor Gordon Brown, favourite to replace Mr Blair, reportedly paid tribute to the prime minister at the meeting.

Alistair Darling and John Prescott

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Also attending was John Prescott (right), who would later announce his resignation as Labour's deputy leader.

Cherie and Tony Blair leave Downing Street by a rear entrance

Cherie and Tony Blair leave Downing Street by a rear entrance

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Tony and Cherie Blair then left Downing Street by a rear entrance to travel to the MP's Sedgefield constituency.

Tony Blair meets supporters in his Sedgefield constituency

Tony Blair meets supporters in his Sedgefield constituency

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Mr Blair was greeted by supporters outside the Trimdon Labour Club before going inside to make his statement.

A supporter hugs Tony Blair

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The scenes sparked memories of the euphoria which greeted Mr Blair on his first day in Downing Street, in May 1997.

Tony Blair addresses supporters at Trimdon Labour Club

Tony Blair addresses supporters at Trimdon Labour Club

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Mr Blair used his speech to confirm that he would stand down on 27 June and would stay until Labour elected a leader.

Tony Blair acknowledges applause after his speech

Tony Blair acknowledges applause after his speech

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The prime minister described how it had been "an honour" to lead the country but stressed a decade was "long enough".

A supporter of Tony Blair

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"The British are special. The world knows it," Mr Blair told his loyal supporters. "This is the greatest nation on Earth."

Cherie and Tony Blair leave the meeting

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Mr Blair said his "political journey" had begun in Sedgefield, adding it was "fitting" that it should end there too.

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