PM congratulates Obama by phone

Mr Brown spoke to President-elect Obama for 10 minutes, say officials

Gordon Brown has telephoned US President-elect Barack Obama to congratulate him on his historic victory, Downing Street has confirmed.

The prime minister spoke to Mr Obama for 10 minutes about topics including the world economy, Iraq, Afghanistan and the Middle East peace process.

Downing Street sources said the tone was friendly and very positive.

Mr Obama's victory dominated the weekly prime minister's questions session in the Commons on Wednesday.

Mr Brown and Conservative leader David Cameron clashed over the reasons behind it.

Mr Obama was elected the first black US president on Tuesday with a resounding win over Republican rival John McCain.

Mr Cameron said it suggested people were "eager for change" while Mr Brown said it was because he embodied "progressive" values shared by Labour.

Both men met Mr Obama when he visited London on the final leg of his European tour in July.

Downing Street said the prime minister and Mr Obama had not yet arranged a face-to-face meeting.

And sources said Mr Brown has also written to Senator McCain and hopes to speak to him in due course.

Mr Brown also spoke to the current US president, George Bush, as well as Australian PM Kevin Rudd earlier.