Since succession planning among British companies can be tricky, the smooth handover of power is a bonus to the company.

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His team has been in close contact with the Bush administration to pave the way for a smooth handover of power.

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And he urged Tony Blair to set a date for his departure, to end speculation about it and ensure a smooth handover of power to Gordon Brown, the man widely expected to be the next Labour leader.

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He said a handover to Mr Brown could soon be followed by a "smooth transition" to Conservative leader David Cameron.

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