'I'm supporting Gordon Brown, I'm backing Gordon Brown, I have no ambition to be the leader,' said Mr Johnson. -- PHOTO: AP
LONDON - ALAN Johnson confirmed on Friday he has been named home secretary in a reshuffle carried out by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown following a wave of ministerial resignations.
Mr Johnson, a former postman seen as a possible successor to Mr Brown, confirmed media reports that he had taken over from Ms Jacqui Smith at the Home Office, which deals with issues including borders and immigration.
Johnson a former postman
LONDON - A FORMER postman who left school aged 15 with no qualifications, Alan Johnson, named on Friday as Britain's new Home Secretary, is seen as a possible successor to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
The charismatic Johnson, 59, was largely raised by his elder sister in social housing in south London after being orphaned aged 12.
Denying that he was interested in replacing Mr Brown, he told Sky News television: 'I'm flattered obviously that people think highly of me, I want them to think highly of me as a home secretary in a Labour government serving under the prime minister'.
He added: 'I'm supporting Gordon Brown, I'm backing Gordon Brown, I have no ambition to be the leader.' Six ministers including four cabinet ministers have quit Mr Brown's government in the last week.
Mr Johnson was formerly health secretary before being moved to the home office, which is traditionally seen as the poisoned chalice of British government.
Several of his recent predecessors, including Ms Jacqui Smith who indicated this week she would step down, have faced sharp criticism of their handling of the job and ended up resigning.
Ms Smith stepped down after being caught up in the scandal over lawmakers' expenses. She was left badly embarrassed after it emerged that she claimed public money for two adult films apparently viewed by her husband.
Mr Johnson is bookmakers' favourite eventually to take over from Mr Brown. -- AFP
