Britain Prime Minister to step down

Gordon Brown has said he is stepping down as Labour Party leader as his party opens formal talks with the Liberal Democrats about forming a government.



Mr Brown, prime minister since 2007, says he hoped a successor as Labour leader will be in place by September.



The Liberal Democrats have been negotiating for days with the Tories, who won the most seats and votes in the UK election.



However, the Liberal Democrats have asked for formal talks with Labour.



Mr Brown has said it was in the national interest to respond.



BBC reports say Mr Brown\'s statement will be seen as a move to smooth the way to a deal between Labour and the Liberal Democrats to form a government.