'Remarkable achievement' praised by Cameron

Conservative leader David Cameron led the tributes to outgoing Prime Minister Tony Blair in the House of Commons today, praising his "remarkable achievement" in ten years in Downing Street.

Following Mr Blair's last session of Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Cameron congratulated him on his record in bringing peace to Northern Ireland and for his contribution to the developing world.

Mr Cameron said: "On behalf of these benches can I congratulate him on his remarkable achievement of being Prime Minister for ten years.

"For all the heated battles across this dispatch box, for thirteen years the Prime Minister has led his party and for ten years he has led our country - and no-one can doubt about the huge effort he has made in terms of public service.

"He has had a number of achievements, whether with peace in Northern Ireland or his contribution to the developing world, which will endure.

"I am sure life in the public eye has sometimes been tough on his family. So can I on behalf of my party wish him and his family well - and wish him every success in whatever he does in the future."

Mr Blair thanked Mr Cameron and said that despite their political differences he had always found him "most proper, correct and courteous in your dealings with me."

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Menzies Campbell also paid tribute to Mr Blair, describing him as "unfailingly courteous" and extended his best wishes to him and his family.

Mr Blair also returned the compliment, saying that Sir Menzies had a "generosity of spirit and courtesy".

Mr Blair received an unprecedented standing ovation from MPs at his final Prime Minister's Question Time.

Chancellor Gordon Brown became Prime Minister this afternoon.

Mr Blair was named as a Middle East envoy by the Quartet powers - the US, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia - this afternoon.

He will attend a meeting at his Sedgefield constituency later today ,where it is expected that he will resign as the area's MP.

(KMcA/SP)