Outgoing British Prime Minister David Cameron today wished continued success for his country in its post-Brexit future as he left the Downing Street to meet Queen Elizabeth II to tender his resignation.
Advertisement
Theresa May became Britain’s second female prime minister on July 13 charged with guiding the United Kingdom out of the European Union after a deeply devisive referendum campaign ended with Britain voting to leave and David Cameron resigning.
Mrs May arrived at the Palace by ministerial auto with husband Philip, having set off from the House of Commons only after receiving the signal that predecessor David Cameron ‘s resignation as PM had been accepted by the Queen and that he had advised the head of state to appoint the former Home Secretary in his place.
European Union leaders, keen to move forward after the shock of “Brexit”, want May to launch formal divorce proceedings as soon as possible to help resolve the uncertainty.
De Maiziere said in Berlin on Wednesday: “She is a smart woman – thoughtful, disciplined, competent, strong in negotiations. and critical too, but reliable and credible”.
With his successor Theresa May sat beside him, Cameron told MPs: “I will watch these exchanges from the backbenches, I will miss the roar of the crowd, I will miss the barbs from the opposition, but I will be willing you on”. She said he has led a “One Nation government” and meant to continue in that spirit.
In his final appearance at prime minister’s questions in the House of Commons, Cameron recalled his own famous line from his first appearance in the theatrical weekly sparring session 11 years ago.
Theresa May becomes Britain’s second female prime minister on July 13, taking over from David Cameron whose career was ended by the seismic Brexit referendum, with the daunting task of leading the country out of the EU.
She promised a “bold new positive role” for Britain overseas and less “burning injustice” at home, drawing lessons from last month’s bitter referendum and making a pitch for the centre-ground of politics where elections are traditionally won.
The new British leader is expected to immediately start putting together a new cabinet, a complex political balancing act in which she will try to satisfy opposing camps in her party.
Six years later, he is leaving office under the shadow of Britain’s impending exit from the European Union – a career ending dramatically with his failure to keep Britain in the bloc.
He said he wanted to end speculation that “somehow I don’t love Larry”.
Cameron had already announced he would step down by October after failing to convince the country to remain in the European Union in the divisive June 23 referendum that sent shockwaves through Britain’s political establishment.
Later, Queen accepted Cameron’s resignation.
“After all, as I once said, I was the future once!”
He found time to congratulate Wimbledon victor Andy Murray and other British players there, and rebuffed rumours that he does not like Downing St.’s resident cat, Larry – “I do!”
Appearing later in Downing Street with his wife Samantha and their three children, he delivered his parting remarks to the nation after six years dominated by the Europe question and the aftermath of the global financial crisis.
Trying to reclaim his legacy from his Brexit miscalculation, Cameron said his government had cut the deficit, overseen economic growth and legalized same-sex marriage. And he offered the closest thing he has ever given to a mission statement: “I believe that politics is about public service in the national interest”. “I think she’s a cautious person, and the British political establishment needs to come to terms with this massive decision”. She will replace Cameron on Wednesday evening.
Advertisement
The Daily Telegraph said in an editorial that Cameron “leaves behind a stronger country, a thriving economy and more chances to get on in life”.
