I am about to go to Buckingham Palace to tender my resignation to
Her Majesty the Queen and to advise her to ask to form a new administration.
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.
Their successes will be our country’s successes, and I hope that
they will be many.
Their achievements will build on the work of nearly a decade of
Conservative or Conservative-led government.
During that time our economy has been restored, our public
services reformed, and our values defended on the world stage.
Of course, much remains to be done – the immediate priority being
to complete our exit from the European Union in a way that works
for the whole 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.
But you achieve nothing alone.
And as I leave Downing Street, my final words are of sincere
thanks.
To my colleagues in Government and Parliament.
To everyone in the building behind me and across the Civil
Service.
To the men and women of our armed forces and security
services.
And to the public servants in our schools, our NHS, our police
and the other emergency services.
All are inspired by the noble wish to serve their country in the
national interest.
I also want to thank the British people.
Everyone who loves our great country, who works hard for their
family and wants their children and grand-children to enjoy
greater opportunity than they did.
Thank you for putting your faith in me and giving me the chance
to serve.
This is a country of aspiration and opportunity and I hope that
every young girl who has seen a woman Prime Minister now knows
for sure that there are no limits to what they can achieve.
Finally and most of all, I want to thank my husband Philip – who
has been my greatest supporter and my closest companion.
I am about to leave Downing Street but I am proud to continue as
the Member of Parliament for Maidenhead.
I will continue to do all I can to serve the national interest.
And play my part in making our United Kingdom – a great country
with a great future – a country that truly works for
everyone.
