Former home secretary and interior minister Theresa May has become the new British prime minister. She visited Buckingham Palace and accepted the task given by Queen Elizabeth II to form a new government, moments after former Prime Minister David Cameron had resigned.
Despite being a supporter of the Remain campaign, May has said that the British people have spoken, and that "Brexit means Brexit". She now faces the task of uniting a divided country. "We will rise to the challenge. 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 for a privileged few, but for every one of us."
British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks as her husband Philip May looks on outside 10 Downing StreetCarl Court/ Getty Images
After visiting Buckingham Palace, the prime minister returned to Number 10 with husband Philip, and began selecting her new Cabinet. The first to be appointed was Philip Hammond, who is the new chancellor of the exchequer, replacing George Osborne, who was not included in May's cabinet. Boris Johnson was a surprise appointment as foreign secretary. May also created a ministerial post focused on Brexit, which was appointed to David Davis.
Britain's new Prime Minister, Theresa May, is driven out of Buckingham PalacePaul Hackett/ ReutersTheresa May and her husband Philip arrive at Buckingham Palace for an audience with Britain's Queen Elizabeth IISteve ParsonsTheresa May leaves Buckingham Palace after an audience with Queen Elizabeth II where the former home secretary was invited to become prime minister and to form a new governmentSteve ParsonsQueen Elizabeth II welcomes Theresa May at the start of an audience where she invited the former home secretary to become prime minister and form a new government Dominic LipinskiTheresa May and her husband Philip leave Buckingham Palace after an audience with the Queen Steve ParsonsBritain's new Prime Minister, Theresa May, is driven out of Buckingham PalacePaul Hackett/ ReutersBritish Prime Minister Theresa May and husband Philip May arrive at Downing StreetCarl Court/ Getty ImagesBritain's Prime Minister, Theresa May, speaks to the media outside Number 10 Downing StreetPeter Nicholls/ ReutersNewly appointed Prime Minister Theresa May with her husband Philip at 10 Downing StreetChristopher Furlong/ Getty ImagesBritish Prime Minister Theresa May and husband Philip May outside 10 Downing Street Carl Court/ Getty ImagesNew Prime Minister Theresa May, followed by her husband Philip, walks into 10 Downing Street after meeting Queen Elizabeth II and accepting her invitation to become prime minister and form a new governmentStefan RousseauStaff applaud as Britain's new Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip walk into 10 Downing Street after May had met the Queen in Buckingham PalaceStefan RousseauPhilip Hammond leaves Downing Street after being appointed chancellor of the exchequerJack Taylor/ Getty ImagesAmber Rudd arrives at Downing Street as Theresa May appoints her new Cabinet. Rudd was appointed the new home secretaryJack Taylor/ Getty ImagesMichael Fallon arrives at 10 Downing Street. Fallon kept his position as defence secretary in Theresa May's new CabinetOli Scarff/ Getty ImagesDavid Davis leaves Downing Street after being appointed secretary of state for exiting the EUCarl Court/ Getty ImagesBoris Johnson, who was appointed as the new foreign secretary, arrives at 10 Downing Street Dan Kitwood/ Getty ImagesLiam Fox arrives at Downing Street as Theresa May begins selecting her new cabinet. Fox was appointed as the new secretary of state for international tradeCarl Court/ Getty ImagesNewly appointed Prime Minister Theresa May with her husband Philip looking on speaks with the press as they arrive at 10 Downing StreetChristopher Furlong/ Getty Images
