Gordon Brown's last moments inside No 10 – exclusive pictures

A hunched Gordon Brown (back right), Labour ministers and advisers including Alastair Campbell (standing left) wait for Nick Clegg to call with his decision on who will form the next government
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Brown and colleagues waiting for the call from Clegg
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Brown and Lord Mandelson
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

The 'war room' in Downing Street
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Brown takes the phone call from Clegg that seals his resignation. The Liberal Democrat leader elected to support a Conservative government
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Brown on the phone to Clegg
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Downing Street political staff listen in on the phone call from Clegg
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Staff, advisers and senior politicians in Prime Minister Gordon Brown's office, waiting for the final decision Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Brown and family leave Downing Street applauded by political staff and civil servants
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Brown gives a speech to staff and his family
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

The empty cabinet table at No 10 awaits the new Conservative government
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Emotions in No 10 as political staff say farewell to civil service staff
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Brown prepares to leave Downing Street for the last time
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Prime Minister Gordon Brown says farewell to civil servants inside 10 Downing Street Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Prime Minister Gordon Brown prepares to leave 10 Downing Street for Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Prime Minister Gordon Brown says farewell to his political staff in Downing Street Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Brown writes letters to his successor, watched by outgoing ministers Douglas Alexander and Ed Balls, and adviser Alastair Campbell
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Pictures ready for moving
Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian