Member of the United Kingdom’s parliament, Theresa May has been appointed as Britain’s second woman prime minister succeeding David Cameron, who announced his resignation on Monday, July 11, 2016.
Theresa May, 59, was invited to form a government by Queen Elizabeth II in a private audience at Buckingham Palace in London.
She becomes the 12th prime minister to serve during the Queen’s reign. May succeeds David Cameron, who tendered his resignation to the monarch half an hour earlier.
May’s last opponent in the race for the leadership of the UK Conservative Party, Andrea Leadsom, dropped out of the contest on Monday, July 11, 2016, paving the way for her to emerge as the sole contender.
She arrived at the palace by ministerial car with her husband, Mr. Philip May, having set off from the House of Commons after Mr. Cameron’s resignation was officially accepted by the Queen.
Mr. Cameron advised the Queen to appoint the former home secretary in his place.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said, “The Queen received in audience Theresa May and requested her to form a new administration.”
In a brief address outside Downing Street before he resigned, David Cameron said, “It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve our country as prime minister over these last six years and to serve as leader of my party over 11 years.
“And as we leave for the last time, my only wish is continued success for this great country that I love so very much.”
Ms. May gave an address outside Downing Street later this afternoon outlining her initial priorities in office. In her speech, she vowed to tackle injustice in society and stresses determination to preserve unity of UK
Hattip The Independent, The Guardian UK
