The duo together created the new version of the Labour party. The brilliant Brown initially had the upper hand in the party, but appeared to lose out to Blair after Labour lost the 1992 general election.

When Labour's then leader John Smith died suddenly in 1994, Blair, who had pushed for faster reform, became party chief. Three years later, he was prime minister.

Earlier, it was thought that Blair -- seen here with his wife Cherie Booth and US President George W Bush -- would leave his post in 2004. But he announced that he would finish his third and final term. Then, it was believed he would continue till next year if not for another term.

But time seems to have finally run out for the master politician who has weathered many storms and many knocks to his and Labour's reputation in recent years.

Photograph: Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty Images Also read: Britain must distance itself from US: Poll

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