On yet another turbulent day in British politics, David Cameron announced that he will step down on Wednesday (July 13) after his weekly questions session, paving the way for home secretary Theresa May to be installed as prime minister.
May became the sole candidate after rival Andrea Leadsom announced that she was quitting the race.
Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, which oversees the election of a new Conservative party leader, confirmed earlier today that May was the only remaining candidate.
May, who backed the campaign for Britain to remain in the European Union, is expected to make a statement later today. Her campaign manager, Chris Grayling, said she is “enormously honored to have been entrusted” with the task ahead of her.
Leadsom, who wanted to leave the EU, said that May “carries over 60% of support from the parliamentary party. She is ideally placed to implement Brexit on the best possible terms for the British people and she has promised that she will do so.”
On the Labour side—where leader Jeremy Corbyn continues to say he will not step down—Angela Eagle launched her campaign to lead on Monday.
Meanwhile over at Angela Eagle’s #LabourLeadership launch… pic.twitter.com/FCRuNyUh0J
— Conor McNally (@conor_mcnally) July 11, 2016