After a transfer of power of startling speed, Theresa May took office as Britain’s prime minister on Wednesday afternoon, promising to honor last month’s referendum to leave the European Union, but also to heal some of the divisions that the vote exposed, and to create an economy that works for everyone, not just the “privileged few.”
Speaking as she arrived at the prime minister’s office at 10 Downing Street, Ms. May, who had served for six years as home secretary, sought to position herself firmly in the tradition of “one nation” Conservatism, stressing her commitment to helping the underprivileged and pledging to fight “burning injustice.”
“We are living through an important moment in our country’s history; following the referendum, we face a time of great national change,” Ms. May said, as her husband, Philip, stood nearby.
Ms. May had supported Britain’s remaining in the European Union, but tepidly, and she promised to respect the outcome of the June 23 vote. “As we leave the European Union we will forge a bold new positive role for ourselves in the world, and we will make Britain a country that works not just for a privileged few but for every one of us,” she said.
The new Prime Minister has named Amber Rudd Home Secretary and Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary, Downing Street said on Wednesday.
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