Edition: English | 中文简体 | 中文繁体 Монгол
Homepage > World Video

Theresa May set to lead UK

Reporter: Richard Bestic 丨 CCTV.com

07-12-2016 10:42 BJT

Dramatic developments in the race for British Prime Minister -- as candidate Andrea Leadsom unexpectedly drops out. This paves the way for Theresa May to become the next leader of the United Kingdom.

LONDON, July 11, 2016 (Xinhua) -- File photo taken on June 27, 2016 shows British Home Secretary Theresa May (L) leaving after a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain. British Home Secretary Theresa May, the only remaining contender in the Tory leadership bid, is to become the new prime minister by Wednesday evening, Prime Minister David Cameron announced Monday. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

LONDON, July 11, 2016 (Xinhua) -- File photo taken on June 27, 2016 shows British Home Secretary Theresa May (L) leaving after a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain. British Home Secretary Theresa May, the only remaining contender in the Tory leadership bid, is to become the new prime minister by Wednesday evening, Prime Minister David Cameron announced Monday. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

It was a hectic few hours as Theresa May moved from candidate to Prime Minister in waiting. Among her priorities, talks to take Britain out of the European Union.

"Brexit means Brexit and we're going to make a success of it. There will be no attempts to remain inside the EU," said Theresa May UK Prime Minister designate.

Her last standing rival for the top job, Andrea Leadsom, quit after she suggested in a newspaper interview that she'd make a better Prime Minister because she was a mother. Therese May has no children. Outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron welcomed her decision.

"I'm delighted we're not going to have a prolonged Conservative leadership election campaign. I think Andrea Leadsom has made absolutely the right decision to stand aside and it's clear Therese May has the overwhelming support of the Conservative Parliamentary Party," said prime minister UK Prime Minister.

Britain's opposition Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn also finds himself gripped by post Brexit turmoil.

A 55 year-old former government minister, Angela Eagle is heading up a wave of dissatisfaction with his leadership and challenging him for his job.

"Now I'm not a Blairite, I'm not a Brownite and I'm not a Corbynista. I am my own woman," said Angela Eagle opposition labor leadership challenger.

Corbyn was saying nothing as he left home. There are doubts though as to whether he'll even be able to secure sufficient Parliamentary support to stand for election, with all sides warning the final decision could end up in the hands of waiting lawyers. 

Follow us on

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Instagram

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Wechat