Roundup: Cameron's "no third term" announcement sparks "frenzy" in Britain

British Prime Minister David Cameron has sparked a frenzy in the political world by announcing he will not seek a third term in office.

The main opposition Labor Party accused Cameron of arrogance, saying he has yet to win a second term at 10 Downing Street.

Cameron made his comment during a casual "at home" chat with a seasoned political journalist, maybe not realizing the whirlwind it would stir in the corridors of power around Whitehall and Westminster.

The prime minister mentioned three main contenders for his job: London's popular mayor Boris Johnson, the Home (Interior) Secretary Theresa May and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne.

The surprise announcement dominated Tuesday's headlines in British national newspapers.

Should Cameron lead the Conservatives to victory during the May 7 general elections, he could serve another five-year term.

Some analysts speculate if Cameron would serve for a full five year term or create the prospect of a leadership stampede mid-way through the next parliament, should the Conservatives retain power.

In Britain, the general population has no say in the choice of prime minister, even though the parliamentary system in Great Britain is increasingly presidential in style.

Politicians themselves choose their respective leaders, either through a "coronation" if it is a one-horse race, or by secret ballot held in the privacy of the Palace of Westminster.

Cabinet office officials are playing down the significance of the prime minister's announcement, but party election managers are either rubbing their hands with glee on the opposition sides, or possibly holding their heads in their hands if they are campaigning for an all-out Conservative victory to replace the present Tory-Lib Dem coalition.

Seasoned campaigner and a key architect in Tony Blair's rise to power, Alastair Campbell, described Cameron's announcement as a potential disaster for the Conservative Party.

Campbell, former director of communications for the Labor Party, said: "At this stage of a campaign, five and a bit weeks away from a general election every single person, but particularly the leaders, has to be focused in everything they say and do on winning. Cameron has created a massive distraction. I think he has opened up something that he will find very difficult now to close." Endit