It has been confirmed that Gordon Brown will succeed Tony Blair as British Prime Minister after Mr Brown's only rival failed to secure enough nominations to force a contest.
John McDonnell conceded after the Chancellor secured enough backing from Labour MPs to stop him getting the 45 nominations needed.
Mr Brown received 309 nominations from Labour MPs, prompting Mr McDonnell, who had 29, to admit it was mathematically impossible for him to reach the threshold required.
In a statement last night, Mr McDonnell said that while he wished Mr Brown well, the lack of a contest would taint the beginning of the new administration.
However, Mr Brown will still take part in ten hustings with the six MPs hoping to succeed John Prescott as deputy leader.
The chancellor's campaign manager, Jack Straw, said he was delighted that the party was uniting behind Mr Brown and giving him such 'overwhelming support'.
Mr Blair has said he will stand down as Prime Minister on 27 June.
