The British Labour Party suffered a devastating defeat in Thursday's regional elections in Great Britain. Prime Minister Gordon Brown's party failed to win a majority in a single county council. Even Labour strongholds went to the Conservatives.

Labour gained only 23 percent of the vote, an historic low, making it the third largest party in Great Britain. The Conservatives won 38 percent and the Liberal Democrats 28 percent.

The defeat was another blow for the prime minister, whose party is caught up in an expenses scandal. Up to now five ministers have stepped down after revelations about excessive spending for private purposes. Prime Minister Brown says he is not considering resigning. At press conference, he named the names of a number of new ministers. Alan Johnson will take over as home secretary from Jacqui Smith. Yvette Cooper will replace James Purnell as the new work and pensions secretary. Mr Purnell resigned on Thursday. He also urged Mr Brown to step down.