'Bye Tone. Hello, Gordo

After ten years as Prime Minister, Tony Blair is stepping down at the end of June.

Although this announcement has long been expected and, for many, hoped for, it still comes with a bit of surprise (that he'd actually release the top job) and a bit of sadness (the war and TB's support for it) .

The British people ushered Blair--and New Labour--into office with such great joy, such hope for change and rejuvenation after years of Conservative rule (remember the Blair family marching through the streets, being cheered on by the crowds, [and Cherie Blair in that brown --brown!--suit?).

Pop stars and famous actors began to hang at Number Ten. Blair was part and parcel of the "Cool Britannia" years, but, like Blur, Pulp, and Elastica, New Labour was bound to implode.

New Labour's surrender to petty corruption (donatations for honors), and Blair's loyalty to the Iraq War (and to GWB) has cracked his popularity; he's lost the people's faith. If Blair doesn't go, the people will lose faith in Labour as well.

So, Gordon Brown finally gets his chance at the golden ring. And good luck to him. He'll need it. Look at what he'll inherit.