She arrived at Downing Street with husband Philip May to address the world’s media waiting since her predecessor, David Cameron, departed just over an hour earlier after tendering his resignation to the Queen.
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He announced his resignation after Britain voted to leave the 28-member European Union in the June 23 referendum. A statement released by Buckingham Palace said the monarch was “graciously pleased to accept” Cameron’s notice of departure.
Britain’s new prime minister Theresa May has vowed to lead a “one nation” government that works for all not just the “privileged few”. “Heled a one-nation government and it is in that spirit I also plan to lead”, she said in her first speech as PM, wearing a black and yellow coat and her trademark leopard print kitten-heel shoes.
Theresa May promised to fight “burning injustice” in British society, govern for the poor and marginalised, and create a union “between all of our citizens” in her first remarks as the UK’s prime minister.
In fact, it was the fallout from Brexit that gave May her long-hoped for opening to become prime minister.
“It means we believe in the union, the precious, precious bond between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but it means something else that is just as important.” she said.
‘When it comes to taxes we will prioritise not the wealthy, but you.
But she said Britain would “rise to the challenge” and forge “a bold new positive role” in the world.
Though she joined Mr. Cameron in supporting continued European Union membership, Ms. May assured the public on Monday that “Brexit means Brexit”.
Labour’s deputy leader, Tom Watson, offered his congratulations to Mrs May but warned she would have to deal with the “enormous economic uncertainty and insecurity” caused by leaving the EU.
May is something of an unknown quantity internationally, but European Council president Donald Tusk said he looked forward to a “fruitful working relationship” with her. We will do everything we can to help everyone. But today the country is much stronger; our economy is immeasurably stronger.For me politics has always been about public service in the national interest. She will begin assembling her ministerial team on Thursday, her first day in office.
However, any lengthy discussion of David Cameron’s legacy will have to wait as Theresa May takes over and starts to put her own distinctive mark on her government. The White House has welcomed the new prime minister, and the State Department said it would have no trouble working with Mr. Johnson as foreign secretary.
Cameron, who will remain in parliament as MP for Witney, said he was “delighted” that the next prime minister would be a woman and a Conservative.
The outgoing PM was accompanied by his wife Samantha, who he described as the “love of my life” and thanked her for keeping him “vaguely sane”, as well as his three children – Nancy, Arthur and Florence.
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David Cameron has resigned as Prime Minister after six years in Downing Street.
