Cameron to step down: ‘It’s not right to remain captain’

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has announced his decision to step down following the defeat suffered in the UK Brexit referendum. Cameron, who supported a ‘remain’ vote, saw the ‘leave’ vote win by 1,269,501 votes.

Addressing reporters outside 10 Downing Street, Cameron said that a new prime minister would be needed by October.

Described by his peers as the “lucky politician”, Cameron’s luck has run out after six years.

“Head, heart and soul, I held nothing back. I was clear of my beliefs that Britain is stronger and better off in the EU and I made it clear that this is what the referendum was about. The citizens have taken a clear decision for a different path. A fresh leadership must take the UK in this direction. I will steady the ship in the coming weeks and months but it won’t be right for me to be the captain of this ship,” Cameron said.

Flanked by his wife Samantha Cameron, David Cameron said the UK should be proud that it entrusts its citizens to take such decisions: “Their will must be respected. It is an instruction that must be delivered ... So many things were said by different organisations, there can be no doubt about this result.”

The Brexit result has triggered financial market turmoil, and the pound plunged.

“I want to reassure markets and investors that Britain’s economy is fundamentally strong,” he said.

Cameron went on to reassure EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in EU countries that there will be no immediate change to their circumstances.

“There will be no changes in the way trade is done, goods move and people travel. We must now prepare for negotiations with the EU.”