Cameron quits as PM, paves way for May

SPH Brightcove Video
Outgoing British Prime Minister David Cameron thanks his colleagues in parliament as he leaves, following last month's referendum to leave the European Union.
Mr Cameron sharing an embrace with his wife Samantha and children Nancy, Elwen and Florence outside No. 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister, yesterday.
Mr Cameron sharing an embrace with his wife Samantha and children Nancy, Elwen and Florence outside No. 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister, yesterday. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG

LONDON • Mr David Cameron tendered his resignation as British Prime Minister to Queen Elizabeth early today (Singapore time), paving the way for Mrs Theresa May to become the country's second female premier.

Speaking outside No. 10 Downing Street shortly before his meeting with the monarch, Mr Cameron said being Prime Minister was "the greatest honour" of his life and that it had "not been an easy journey", reported the BBC.

Mrs May was expected to be sworn in after Mr Cameron's meeting with the Queen.

Britain's political change of command opened yesterday with Mr Cameron receiving a standing ovation at his valedictory appearance in Parliament as Prime Minister.

Saying his goodbyes to his colleagues at a good-natured question-and-answer session, Mr Cameron declared that his party was 2-0 over its Labour rivals in giving the country a female prime minister.

Mrs May, 59, inherits a daunting task from the 49-year-old Mr Cameron that neither wanted: taking the country out of the European Union, reported The Washington Post.

She is expected to announce her Cabinet early today (Singapore time), including a Brexit minister in charge of leading negotiations with the EU on a new relationship.

SEE TO P OF THE NEWS

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 14, 2016, with the headline Cameron quits as PM, paves way for May. Subscribe