TheCable

Theresa May, UK Home secretary, has a bright chance of becoming the second female prime minister of the UK, following the decision of Boris Johnson, pro-Brexit leader, to exit the race.

Following David Cameron’s announced resignation, Johnson, who rigorously campaigned for Brexit, was tipped to succeed Cameron, but Johnson has said he “cannot”.

“Having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in parliament, I have concluded that [the] person cannot be me,” Johnson said in a speech on Thursday.

“My role will be to give every possible support to the next Conservative administration to make sure that we properly fulfill the mandate of the people that was delivered at the referendum and to champion the agenda that I believe in, to stick up for the forgotten people of this country.

“If we do so, if we invest in our children and improve their life chances, if we continue to fuel the engines of social mobility, if we build on the great reforming legacy of David Cameron, if we invest in our infrastructure and we follow a sensible, one-nation Conservative approach that is simultaneously tax-cutting and pro-enterprise, then I believe that this country can win and be better and more wonderful and, yes, greater than ever before.”

Michael Gove, who was also with the leavers, said Johnson could not provide the needed leadership, declaring his intentions to fill Cameron’s boots.

“I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead,” he said.

“I have, therefore, decided to put my name forward for the leadership.”

May, who campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU declared herself for the race on Thursday, saying: “I’m Theresa May and I’m the best person to be prime minister.”

She however supports the decision of the people to exit UK, adding that “the country voted to leave the European Union, and it is the duty of the government and of parliament to make sure we do just that”.

If May succeeds, she will be the second female prime minister after the iron lady Margaret Thatcher.