Yesterday, Home Secretary and Conservative Party Leadership candidate, Theresa May was successful in her campaign to be chosen as the new leader of the Conservative Party.
I am delighted that Britain will again have a woman Prime Minister and I am confident in Theresa’s ability to unite our country following the result of the recent EU referendum.
A close friend and ally, I know that Theresa will have the courage to take up this role at one of the most challenging junctures in our political history. After all, the European Union referendum saw opinions split almost right down the middle. However, having already worked with our European Neighbours to tackle the issue of modern slavery and on the European Arrest Warrant, there is little doubt that our next Prime Minister is well placed to negotiate the best deal for Britain.
As Theresa has said, ‘Brexit means Brexit, and we must make a success of it’. Nevertheless, we must not forget that 48% of people, including much of Scotland, London and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU and the deal that is reached works for the country as a whole. Theresa has also said that she will focus on enhancing life chances for some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in our society with a new programme of economic reform and investment.
Following this announcement, Theresa has already assumed the office of leader of the Conservative Party and, following the announcement that David Cameron, is to resign on Wednesday, it is anticipated that Theresa will enter No.10 that same day.
Finally, I would like to pay tribute to all of the contestants who entered the race to be the next Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister; Liam Fox, Michael Gove, Stephen Crabb and Andrea Leadsom. I would also like to pay tribute to our current Prime Minister, David Cameron, for his hard work and dedication over the past six years.
Caroline Spelman