Britain’s new Prime Minister Theresa May (R, front) and her husband arrive at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain on July 13, 2016.
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Theresa May started her first full day in office as UK’s new Prime Minister today with a series of sackings after surprising many by naming “Leave” campaigner Boris Johnson as foreign minister against the backdrop of putting Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU) in motion.
She arrived at the Palace by ministerial auto, having set off from the House of Commons only after receiving the signal that Mr Cameron’s resignation had been accepted by the Queen and that he had advised her to appoint Mrs May in his place.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve our country as prime minister over these last six years, and to serve as leader of my party for nearly 11 years”, he said, accompanied by his wife Samantha and his children – 12-year-old Nancy, 10-year-old Elwen and 5-year-old Florence. “As we leave the European Union we will forge a bold new positive role”, she said.
Michael Gove, May’s one-time rival for the prime minister’s role who campaigned to leave the European Union alongside Johnson, was sacked as the justice secretary Thursday.
In conversation with Merkel, the two leaders agreed that they are in favour of establishing a “constructive relationship” while recognising the importance of “close co-operation between Britain and Germany”.
Britain’s second woman prime minister after Margaret Thatcher, May swept to power in the wake of last month’s referendum.
On leaving the prime minister’s Downing Street office, Johnson immediately got into a ministerial auto and went to speak to staff at the Foreign Office.
Standing with his wife Samantha and their three children, Cameron spoke of a legacy that includes legalizing same-sex marriage, investing in the National Health Service and giving aid to the poorest people and countries in the world.
He said he wanted to end speculation that “somehow I don’t love Larry”.
May will need to form a Cabinet – speculated to include many female ministers and a designated Brexit minister.
“This is a clear indication not only of your determination to use high political office for the protection of some of the world’s most vulnerable people but also of your willingness to work with the Catholic Church at its highest levels”, the cardinal said in the letter, released to the media July 12.
Addressing ordinary voters directly, she added: “I know you’re working around the clock, I know you’re doing your best and I know that sometimes life can be a struggle”.
Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EU Commission, said he “looked forward” to working closely with her in the wake of the Brexit vote, and wished Mrs May “every success”.
Shortly afterwards, her office announced that Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond would become Finance Minister, replacing George Osborne whose determination to balance Britain’s books made him synonymous with austerity.
“After all, as I once said, I was the future once”.
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May, 59, campaigned for the leadership of the governing center-right Conservative Party as a safe pair of hands, after spending 6 years as home secretary, one of the toughest jobs in British politics.
