Theresa May becomes prime minister, promising ‘one nation’ government

The new prime minister was expected to make the first senior appointments to her government on Wednesday evening, including a minister for Brexit.

A day after replacing David Cameron, Ms May moved to impose her authority by axing a handful of prominent ministers including justice secretary Michael Gove, a leading Brexit campaigner who had staged his own bid for Prime Minister.

Cameron had ranked a stronger economy, gay marriage and free schools as the heart of his legacy in a final and emotional farewell speech in Downing Street.

Mrs May wanted to give back to families, reaching out directly to those who are disadvantaged, are insecure in work and those who are “just managing”.

“The government I lead will not be driven by the interests of the privileged few, but by yours”. The new Prime Minister has stressed the need to unite the country as it leaves the European Union and May has promised to “make Brexit a success” through a variety of measures.

Mr Cameron said he was “delighted that for the second time in British history the new Prime Minister will be a woman, and once again a Conservative”.

Pictures were released of the visit, during which Theresa May curtsied before the Queen and kissed her hand.

He then went to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation to the Queen, who will then formally appoint Theresa May as his replacement.

May assumed office after meeting with Queen Elizabeth and drove straight to her new home of 10 Downing Street, vacated hours earlier by David Cameron.

Cameron welcomed Leadsom’s decision to drop out of the race and said he was confident May would steer the country in the right direction, calling her strong and competent, and offering her his full support.

“I know from the work we have done together that you have so many qualities to bring to the service of our countries at this time”, he wrote.

Mrs May also paid tribute to her predecessor, David Cameron, saying he had been “a great modern prime minister”.

The new leader, Britain’s home secretary – in charge of immigration and law and order – for the past six years, has the tough task of calming the country, and the financial markets, after upheaval following the result of the June 23 referendum.

“It means we believe in the union – the precious, precious bond between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – but it means something else that is just as important”. We will do everything we can to help everyone.

Over a dozen demonstrators were dressed in costumes of Theresa May and carried various signs, including ones reading, “We don’t want another 3 years of this”, and “May the farce be with you”.

Cameron is stepping down following political pressure in the wake of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union in a referendum last month.