UK To Elect Cameron’s Successor by September, Osborne Out of Race

Finance Minister George Osborne has ruled himself out of the leadership race post the EU vote.

File photo of David Cameron. (Photo: AP)

Britain could have a new prime minister by early September, the ruling Conservative Party said on Monday, after David Cameron started laying the groundwork for his successor to trigger the country’s exit from the European Union (EU).

One of Cameron’s allies, Finance Minister George Osborne, ruled himself out of the leadership race, but British media said other cabinet colleagues were poised to enter.

Cameron Forms a Unit to Help Advise Britain

Cameron also formed a separate unit, staffed by public servants, to help advise Britain on its departure and its options for a future outside the EU.

Although, leaving the EU was not the path I recommended, I am the first to praise our incredible strengths as a country... As we proceed with implementing this decision and facing the challenges that it will undoubtedly bring, I believe we should hold fast to a vision of Britain that wants to be respected abroad, tolerant at home, engaged in the world.

Cameron to the Parliament

Asked about the possibility of a second EU referendum, Cameron said the result of Thursday’s vote must be accepted.

Osborne Out of The Race

George Osborne said his fierce advocacy for Britain staying part of the EU meant he was no longer a suitable candidate for the highest office. (Photo: AP)

George Osborne, who was once widely regarded as a front-runner to succeed Cameron, said his fierce advocacy for Britain staying part of the EU meant he was no longer a suitable candidate for the highest office.

I believed in this cause and fought hard for it. So it is clear that while I completely accept the result, I am not the person to provide the unity my party needs.

Osborne in an article published by <i>The Times</i> newspaper

Work and pensions minister Stephen Crabb is considering a bid to succeed Cameron, Sky News reported, citing sources.

The editor of Spectator magazine tweeted that Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was also “highly likely” to launch a leadership bid.

But all eyes are on former London mayor Boris Johnson, the most prominent of the Leave campaigners and now bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Cameron.

File photo of Boris Johnson. (Photo: AP)

But not all party members back him and many are pressing for “Anyone But Boris”, seeing his decision to back the Leave campaign as a betrayal of his former ally Cameron, according to media reports.

A YouGov opinion poll on Monday showed interior minister Theresa May scored better than Johnson on who would make the best prime minister, among both the general public and Conservative voters.

Cameron Urges Unity, Reassures Migrants

File photo of David Cameron. (Photo: AP)

Cameron has urged unity both in government and in the country and announced he had set up an advisory unit to help manage Britain’s departure from the European Union and to make sure his successor has all the information necessary to decide the country’s future.

Cameron has also been reassuring migrants who fear their status may change.

Cameron told parliament he would not put up with intolerance, after reports that migrants, particularly those from Poland, had been told by some Britons to “go home” since the referendum.

Let’s remember these people have come here and made a wonderful contribution to our country. And we will not stand for hate crime or these kinds of attacks. They must be stamped out.

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