UK Conservative leader David Cameron pipped Labour PM Gordon Brown in the quest for an immediate brush with 'Obama magic' by hailing the new US president-elect as the first of a fresh, pioneering generation of world leaders - a generation he clearly wishes to join.
Cameron said the American presidential race had been an "exciting and inspirational contest". He added: "In electing Barack Obama, America has made history and proved to the world that it is a nation eager for change."
Before the result was announced, Prime Minister Gordon Brown had noted that the election was a "landmark" event.
Responding to Mr Obama's victory over John McCain, Mr Cameron said: "In these difficult times people everywhere are crying out for change. Barack Obama is the first of a new generation of leaders who will deliver it - he has my whole-hearted congratulations."
He continued: "This is an important moment not just for America but for the world. Barack Obama's victory will give people a new opportunity to look at the United States and see her for what I believe she is - a beacon of opportunity, freedom and democracy."
Mr Brown earlier said the campaign had led millions of people to take a "renewed interest" in public affairs. He said: "It has seen landmark events - women coming to the fore in American elections as candidates and as a vice-presidential candidate, the first black leader to stand for office of US president with a chance of success, a great statesman in John McCain as well, recognised to be one of the great strategic thinkers of our time."
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