![Gordon Brown with ministers, waiting for the call from Nick Clegg](http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47841000/jpg/_47841282_gordon-browns-office-just-008.jpg)
The Guardian newspaper had exclusive access to 10 Downing Street during Gordon Brown’s final moments as prime minister on 11 May. Ministers, including Lord Mandelson, waited with him for a call from Lib Dem Nick Clegg about a possible coalition.
![Gordon Brown talks to Nick Clegg](http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47841000/jpg/_47841283_gordon-brown-takes-the-ph-009.jpg)
When the call came – five days after the general election resulted in a hung parliament – silence fell on the room, the Guardian reported. Mr Brown was heard telling Mr Clegg that he could "not hold on any longer", and had to go to the Palace.
![Gordon Brown writes letters to his successors, as ministers and Alastair Campbell look on.](http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47841000/jpg/_47841289_gordon-brown-writes-lette-005.jpg)
Mr Brown wrote letters to his successors as Douglas Alexander (left) and Ed Balls (right), soon to lose their ministerial jobs, looked on with adviser Alastair Campbell (seated).
![Sarah Brown, Gordon Brown and their children surrounded by Downing Street staff.](http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47841000/jpg/_47841291_gordon-brown-and-family-l-001.jpg)
Mr Brown’s wife Sarah and his sons John and Fraser entered the office as staff applauded the outgoing prime minister.
![Photos and children's paintings packed](http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47841000/jpg/_47841294_pictures-ready-for-moving-003.jpg)
A box of framed photos and other belongings was packed as the end of Labour rule neared.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
![](http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/bbcnewsfrontpagefullfeed/~4/-DGgth98vGs)