Theresa May arrives for David Cameron's final meeting as Prime Minister
'It's been emotional': Top Tory ministers gush over 'astonishing' David Cameron at his final ever Cabinet 24 hours before Theresa May takes over as Prime Minister
David Cameron quits as Prime Minister tomorrow afternoon to be replaced by Home Secretary Theresa May
May is taking part in the meeting of the Government's top ministers as Home Secretary for final time after six years
She will face some of the rivals she defeated for Tory leadership including Justice Secretary Michael Gove
The new PM will appoint a Cabinet from across the Party in a bid to heal the divisions brokered by the referendum
Speculation George Osborne could go to the Foreign Office, Chris Grayling could head up a Brexit department
Labour and Liberal Democrats both call for a snap General Election to give the country the chance to vote on May
David
Cameron was hailed as an 'astonishing' Prime Minister today by his
ministers as they left his final Cabinet meeting at No 10.
Theresa
May, the new Conservative leader, was the last to arrive at today's
gathering as she began to plot her own top team. She will take hold of
the reins of power tomorrow after suddenly winning the Tory crown when
her last rival Andrea Leadsom sensationally dropped out yesterday.
There
is intense speculation in Westminster on how Mrs May will shape her
first Cabinet, amid tension within the Tory Party over the Brexit split
between Leave and Remain supporters.
Among
her former rivals at today's meeting who may be in line for jobs were
Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who finished a distant third after
blowing up Boris Johnson's campaign with a dramatic political knifing.
Stephen Crabb, the Work and Pensions Secretary who dropped out at the first round stage, was also at today's gathering.
Key
allies such as Chris Grayling have been highlighted for possible
promotion, while finding a place for the biggest names under Mr Cameron -
including the Chancellor George Osborne - will be a key task.
Culture
Secretary John Whittingdale said the final meeting of Mr Cameron's
premiership had been 'emotional' as he left Downing Street.
Theresa
Villiers said: 'It was a sad day to see David Cameron's last Cabinet
meeting. I'm sure our country is in safe hands with Theresa May.'
The Northern Ireland Secretary said Mr Cameron would be recorded in history as a 'great reforming Prime Minister'.
Business minister Anna Soubry said: 'I always find him absolutely amazing... he's astonishing.'
Mr
Cameron will now prepare for a final outing at Prime Minister's
Questions tomorrow before making the short journey to Buckingham Palace
to tender his resignation to the Queen. He was expected to have been
'banged out' of the Cabinet room by his team when the meeting ended at
10.20am.
Conservative
Party leader Theresa May arrived in Downing Street this morning for the
final time as Home Secretary before she moves in as Prime Minister
tomorrow afternoon
Mrs May arrived for Cabinet this
morning to meet colleagues as Tory leader for the first time. She will
spend much of the week assembling her first Government and will be
appointed as Prime Minister tomorrow
Energy
Secretary Amber Rudd crossed the threshold of No 10 today. As a leading
Remain campaigner she could be in line for promotion but Mrs May faces a
tricky task in balancing her new team. Liz Truss, right, the
Environment Secretary, was another high flyer under Mr Cameron
Tory
grandee Ken Clarke today told the BBC: 'I get on alright with Theresa,
and Theresa's entitled to have her own cabinet, and I actually think
having a tough pragmatic woman is probably about right.
'I
was one of the 199, I gave Stephen Crabb a friendly vote in the first,
knowing he wouldn't win, but I then switched to Theresa, and she'll have
her own cabinet – she'll have her own views on what she wants.
'She'll
make her own mind up, but she's got to balance the party, she's got a
real problem of bringing the warring wings of the party together. She'll
combine her own strong personal opinions about who she wants to work
with, with a desire to bring the party together.'
Theresa
Villiers, the current Northern Ireland Secretary who backed Brexit,
today said: 'I certainly hope that both Remainers and Leave campaigners
will be represented in the cabinet. I'm sure that she would want a
cabinet that would seek to unify the party.
'But
I would urge all my colleagues, whatever the outcome of the reshuffle,
to be incredibly supportive of a new prime minister. We need a stable
prime minister.
'I
think it's entirely a matter for our new prime minister how she chooses
her cabinet, but she needs support from every single member of the
parliamentary party.
'We need to make a success of this Brexit decision, and the way we do that is by delivering stable government.
'And the way that we deliver stable government is by giving firm backing to our new prime minister.'
Yesterday
afternoon, Mr Cameron appeared in Downing Street as the swansong to his
premiership was brutally cut short by nine weeks.
He paid tribute to his successor as 'strong, competent and more than able to provide the leadership Britain needs'.
And
speaking outside the Palace of Westminster after her victory was
officially confirmed, Mrs May promised 'strong leadership' when she
takes the reins of power in tomorrow.
Britain's next Prime Minister told the nation: 'During this campaign my case has been based on three things.
'First,
the need for strong, proven leadership, to steer us through what will
be difficult and uncertain economic and political times, the need to
negotiate the best deal for Britain in leaving the EU and to forge a new
role for ourselves in the world.'
Mrs May added: 'Brexit means Brexit and we are going to make a success of it.'
The
outgoing Prime Minister, who announced he would quit after losing the
EU referendum less than three weeks ago, was at the Farnborough Air Show
in Hampshire when the Tory contest reached an abrupt end yesterday and
his early departure means he will miss a final outing on the world stage
at the G20 in China.
As
she prepares to take office, Mrs May is already facing calls to call a
snap general election - including even from the Labour Party which is
mired in its own leadership contest after Angela Eagle gathered the
necessary 51 nominations to force a contest against Jeremy Corbyn.
The
extraordinary moment when, shortly after noon, Mrs Leadsom abandoned
her run at No 10 came less than a week after she won a surprise second
place in a ballot of Tory MPs and capped an historic 17 days following
the EU referendum on June 23.
Mrs
Leadsom announced her bid to be Prime Minister on June 30 - the same
morning as Michael Gove sensationally knifed Boris Johnson by launching
his own doomed bid for the Tory crown.
The
collapse of her campaign came after another bitter weekend of Tory
infighting over her toxic suggestion being a mother would give her an
edge over Mrs May in No 10.
The
bloody referendum aftermath has left Mrs May standing alone far ahead
of all her Conservative Party rivals and planning her government, which
will get to work on Wednesday.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, left, Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, centre, and Business Secretary Sajid Javid, right
Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen
Crabb, who made a short lived attempt to be Tory leader and Prime
Minister, also arrived for the Cabinet meeting this morning
Communities
Secretary Greg Clark, left, Cabinet Office Minister Matt Hancock,
centre, and Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, right, all joined their
colleagues in Downing Street this morning as David Cameron's ministers
gathered for the last time
Chris
Grayling, as the last leading Brexit campaigner on the winning side of
the Tory divide, is earmarked for a significant promotion - possibly to
lead the department for Brexit.
George
Osborne has been touted as a possible Foreign Secretary while Philip
Hammond could go the other way to take the reins at the Treasury.
Mrs
Leadsom is likely to get a Cabinet job after making the second round of
the Tory candidates while junior ministers who backed Brexit, such as
Penny Mordaunt and Priti Patel will likely be in line for promotion.
Speaking
on the steps of Parliament, Mrs May said: 'I am honoured and humbled to
have been chosen by the Conservative party to become its leader.
'I
would like to pay tribute to the other candidates during the election
campaign and I would like to pay tribute to Andrea Leadsom for the
dignity she has shown today.
'I would also like to pay tribute to David Cameron for the leadership that he has shown our party and our country.
'During
this campaign my case has been based on three things. First, the need
for strong, proven leadership, to steer us through what will be
difficult and uncertain economic and political times, the need to
negotiate the best deal for Britain in leaving the EU and to forge a new
role for ourselves in the world.
'Brexit means Brexit and we're going to make a success of it.
'Second
we need to unite our country and third we need a strong, new, positive
vision for the future of our country, a vision of a country that works
not for the privileged few, but works for every one of us because we're
going to give people more control of their lives.
'And that's how together we will build a better Britain. Thank you.'
Northern
Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers, left, may be in line for promotion
after backing Brexit, while Ms Greening, centre, was on Mrs May's
leadership campaign team. Also seen this morning was Business Minister
Anna Soubry, right
Mrs May was surrounded by Tory allies
outside the Palace of Westminster, including (front row from left)
Victoria Atkins, Helen Whatley, Chris Grayling, Damian Green, Amber
Rudd, James Brokenshire, Justine Greening and Brandon Lewis - many of
whom may hope for promotion this week as Mrs May build her
administration
Mrs
May's husband Philip was at the victory speech outside St Stephen's
entrance and gave his wife a kiss on the cheek as she was cheered by
supporters.
Chris
Grayling rejected calls for a snap election, stressing that Mrs May was
a senior member of the Tory team that won the general election last
year.
The
Cabinet minister said: 'It's 15 months since the Conservative Party got
a mandate with her as one of its key leading members - I think the last
thing this country needs right now is a general election.'
The
Commons Leader said the rapturous reception received by Mrs May at the
1922 Committee and outside Parliament showed that she commands the
support of the vast majority of Tory MPs, adding: 'The parliamentary
party will now unite behind her '.
Mr
Grayling, who has been tipped for a Cabinet job after playing a leading
role in Mrs May's campaign, said he had not asked for a job.
'What
she decides to do about her Cabinet is entirely up to her - I've not
asked for a job, nor would I expect to be offered one as part of the
campaign,' he said.
Tory MP and close ally of Mrs May, Damian Green, insisted that the new prime minister did not need to call a general election.
When
asked if Mrs May had a mandate, Mr Green told BBC Radio Four: 'I think
she does because she was a very senior member of a Government that was
elected just over a year ago.
'We don't elect presidents in this country. We elect a parliament, we elect MPs for individual seats.
'And
the question the Queen asks formally, constitutionally, is 'can you
command a majority in the House of Commons?' And Theresa can command a
majority, so there is no need for an election.'
Mr Cameron came out into a damp
Downing Street to confirm he would be leaving office nine weeks earlier
than planned after the Tory leadership election to replace him was
brought to an abrupt conclusion
THERESA MAY'S FIRST STATEMENT
Theresa May appeared in Westminster to make her first remarks as Tory leader.
She said: 'I am honoured and humbled to have been chosen by the Conservative party to become its leader.
'I
would like to pay tribute to the other candidates during the election
campaign and I would like to pay tribute to Andrea Leadsom for the
dignity that she has shown today.
'I would also like to pay tribute to David Cameron, for the leadership that he has shown our party and our country.
'During
this campaign my case has been based on three things: first, the need
for strong, proven leadership to steer us through what will be difficult
and uncertain economic and political times, the need of course to
negotiate the best deal for Britain in leaving the EU and to forge a new
role for ourselves in the world.
'Brexit means Brexit, and we are going to make a success of it.
'Second, we need to unite our country.
'And
third, we need a strong new positive vision for the future of our
country, a vision of a country that works not for the privileged few,
but that works for every one of us, because we're going to give people
more control over their lives and that's how, together, we will build a
better Britain.'
Graham
Brady, the chairman of the MPs' backbench committee, confirmed the
Conservative Party Board had accepted Mrs May's victory and confirmed
she was the Conservative Party leader with 'immediate effect'.
Mr Cameron emerged from Downing Street this afternoon to confirm the timetable for his departure.
He said: 'I'm delighted that we're not going to have a prolonged Conservative leadership election campaign.
'I
think Andrea Leadsom has made absolutely the right decision to stand
aside and it's clear Theresa May has the overwhelming support of the
Conservative parliamentary party.
'I'm
also delighted that Theresa May will be the next Prime Minister; she is
strong, she is competent, she is more than able to provide the
leadership that our country is going to need in the years ahead and she
will have my full support.
'Obviously
with these changes we don't need to have a prolonged period of
transition and so tomorrow I will chair my last Cabinet meeting, on
Wednesday I will attend the House the Commons for Prime Minister's
Questions and then after that I expect to go to the Palace and offer my
resignation, so we'll have a new prime minister in that building behind
me by Wednesday evening.'
Amid
extraordinary scenes in the heart of Westminster and surrounded by
allies, Mrs Leadsom announced her withdrawal from the race shortly after
noon yesterday.
She said: 'A nine week leadership campaign at such a critical moment for our country is highly undesirable.
'We
need a new Prime Minister in place as soon as possible. Theresa May
carried over 60 per cent support in the parliamentary party. She is
ideally placed to implement Brexit on the best possible terms.
'I
am therefore withdrawing from the leadership election and I wish
Theresa May the very greatest success. I assure her of my full
support.'
Chancellor
George Osborne, speaking in New York, said: 'The British economy needs
certainty so I think it's in everyone's interests that she takes up that
position as prime minister in the coming days.'
For
Labour, Jon Trickett said: 'It is crucial, given the instability caused
by the Brexit vote, that the country has a democratically elected Prime
Minister.
'I am now putting the whole of the party on a General Election footing.
'It
is time for the Labour Party to unite and ensure the millions of people
in the country left behind by the Tories' failed economic policies,
have the opportunity to elect a Labour government.'
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron blasted Mrs May as 'divisive, illiberal and calculating'.
He
said: 'Just 13 months after the last election the Conservatives have
plunged the UK into chaos. It is simply inconceivable that Theresa May
should be crowned Prime Minister without even having won an election in
her own party, let alone the country.
'There
must be an election. The Conservatives must not be allowed to ignore
the electorate, their mandate is shattered and lies in ruins.
'Britain deserves better than this Tory stitch up.
'May has not set out an agenda, and has no right to govern. She has not won an election and the public must have their say.'
Mrs May appeared alongside husband
Philip May as she made her first remarks as Conservative Party leader
outside the Palace of Westminster this afternoon. She has promised her
Government will seek to build a 'better Britain'
As she's handed the keys to Number 10 Theresa May pledges 'serious social reform' in major break from Cameron and Osborne amid growing pressure to call snap election
Theresa May
(pictured in Birmingham ) pledged to deliver 'serious social reform' in a
major break from David Cameron's premiership
Theresa May pledged to deliver 'serious social reform' in a major break from David Cameron's
premiership as she was handed the keys to Number 10 by Andrea Leadsom's
dramatic decision to pull out of the Tory leadership contest.
The
Home Secretary, who will be prime minister on Wednesday, made a clear
pitch for the centre-ground of British politics as she set out her
'bold, new, positive vision for the future of our country'.
And
she dismissed any fears that as someone who campaigned for Britain to
stay in the EU she would seek to dilute the terms of withdrawing from
the EU, declaring: 'Brexit means Brexit'.
In
a speech in Birmingham Mrs May promised new laws to block fat cat pay
and bonuses as she promises to stand up for ordinary workers.
She was speaking just an hour before her leadership rival Mrs Leadsom announced she was dropping out of the race.
Despite
saying earlier this month she would not call a general election before
2020, Mrs May is coming under increasing pressure to change tack now
there won't be a leadership contest.
She is under particular pressure because of comments she made when Gordon Brown took over from Tony Blair in 2007.
Mrs
May said he had 'no democratic mandate' and must call a general
election, declaring the Tories were 'ready for him,' adding: 'Bring it
on'.
Labour,
the Lib Dems and the Green party have already demanded Mrs May hold an
election in the autumn, saying it was 'crucial' the country has a
'democratically elected prime minister'.
In
her speech this morning Mrs May also vowed to give consumers and staff
seats on company boards in a bid to crack down on 'corporate
irresponsibility'.
The
changes are intended to show Mrs May can reach out to the blue-collar
workers who were the bedrock of Margaret Thatcher's electoral success.
They also show her determination to be the candidate who can reunite the country as well as the Tory party.
Launching
the second phase of her bid for No 10 minutes before Mrs Leadsom
dropped out, she vowed to build a Britain 'that works for everyone – not
just the privileged few'.
Mrs
May said she hopes to 'bring people back together – rich and poor,
north and south ... young and old, male and female, black and white'.
Cameron SINGS as he says goodbye to Downing Street: Bizarre moment PM is caught on mic humming a tune as he walked into No 10 after press conference
David
Cameron will be leaving 10 Downing Street on Wednesday - nine weeks
earlier than planned after another breathtaking day in Westminster saw
the Tory leadership contest cut short.
He
set out the timetable for handing over the No 10 keys to Theresa May,
who was announced the new Tory leader after her rival Andrea Leadsom
pulled out of the race.
Bizarrely, the outgoing Prime Minister was then caught on microphone humming a tune as he walked back into Number 10.
There
is disagreement over what tune he was, with some suggesting it was the
theme tune to American political TV drama The West Wing and others
saying it was from Winnie-the-Pooh.
It
capped another strange day in Westminster politics, with Mrs May
launching the second phase of her leadership campaign just an hour
before Mrs Leadsom conceded.
The
fast-paced developments means Mr Cameron's swansong to his premiership
is brutally cut short and his wife Samantha and three
children Nancy, Arthur and Florence will have to start packing their
bags to make way for Mrs May and her husband Philip on Wednesday.
His
six-year tenure as Prime Minister was only expected to end on September
9 and he was looking forward to final farewell tours to Africa later
this month and China in September for the G20.
David Cameron emerged from No 10 this afternoon to confirm he would leave office on Wednesday and be replaced by Theresa May
The trip to China would have allowed Mr Cameron to bid farewell to many of his international colleagues.
Britain's constitution allows for a quick turnaround and now Mrs May's election as Conservative Party leader is confirmed, the machinery of government will jump into top gear to handover power.
Mr
Cameron will chair his last Cabinet meeting this morning and then
Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions will allow him to bid farewell
from the frontbench and his colleagues to pay tribute to him in the
Commons.
But
he is unlikely to receive the same kind of reception MPs gave Tony
Blair when he quit as PM in 2007, with MPs clapping him out of the
Commons in a break of tradition.
He
will then take the short journey to Buckingham Palace to submit his
resignation to the Queen, before Mrs May makes the same journey to
inform the Queen she is forming a new government.
The
new Prime Minister will spend this week appointing her new government,
with big Cabinet roles expected to be handed to her close allies and
Brexit champions Chris Grayling and former Defence Secretary Liam Fox.
Boris
Johnson and Mrs Leadsom are also expected to be handed a Cabinet
positions, while Chancellor George Osborne and Foreign Secretary Philip
Hammond could swap jobs.
Mr Cameron emerged from Downing Street to confirm the timetable for his departure and paid tribute to his successor.
He said: 'I'm delighted that we're not going to have a prolonged Conservative leadership election campaign.
'I
think Andrea Leadsom has made absolutely the right decision to stand
aside and it's clear Theresa May has the overwhelming support of the
Conservative parliamentary party.
'I'm
also delighted that Theresa May will be the next Prime Minister; she is
strong, she is competent, she is more than able to provide the
leadership that our country is going to need in the years ahead and she
will have my full support.
The
microphone David Cameron was wearing picked him the Prime Minister
humming a cheerful tune to himself as he returned to Number 10 this
afternoon
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