Theresa May wishes Boris Johnson ‘every good fortune’ in last speech as PM
Theresa May has wished Boris Johnson and his government “every good fortune” as she gave her final speech as Prime Minister outside Downing Street.
May, who has led the Tory party for three years, gave her final speech ahead of her visit to Buckingham Palace where she will formally tender her resignation.
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May said: “I repeat my warm congratulations to Boris on winning the Conservative leadership election. I wish him and the government he will lead every good fortune in the months and years ahead.”
She said the “immediate priority” for the incoming government was securing Britain’s exit from the EU “in a way that works for the whole of the United Kingdom”.
“With success in that task can come a new beginning for our country – a national renewal that can move us beyond the current impasse into the bright future the British people deserve.
“To serve as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is the greatest honour. The heavy responsibilities are outweighed by the huge potential to serve your country.”
May finished her speech by thanking her colleagues in parliament, the armed forces, the civil servants and those working in the NHS and emergency services.
Yesterday Boris Johnson was confirmed as Tory party leader and Britain’s next Prime Minister after he overwhelmingly defeated rival Jeremy Hunt in a poll of party members, taking just over 66 per cent of the vote.
Read more: Boris Johnson prepares to reward Brexiters with top Cabinet roles
He is expected to announce who will fill some of the roles in his Cabinet later today.
Former international development secretary Priti Patel has been tipped to take home secretary, while Sajid Javid, Liz Truss and Matt Hancock could earn the job of chancellor. Dominic Raab, the former Brexit secretary, could be in line to take foreign secretary.