This morning the Prime Minister, Theresa May, announced her intention to resign as Leader of the Conservative Party on Friday 7th June.
I am saddened by her decision but I do understand it.
The Prime Minister is a dedicated public servant and I wish to thank her for her years of service to my Party and the nation. She has served with dignity and honour from her time as a Councillor through to being the first female Party Chairman, and as Home Secretary and eventually Prime Minister.
Theresa May became Prime Minister in challenging circumstances that would severely test anyone. People may disagree with her and the decisions she has made, but no-one can question her sense of duty or her resilience.
I also owe a personal debt of gratitude to Theresa May as she came to support me as a candidate before I was even elected as an MP, and she showed her trust in me when she appointed me as a Parliamentary Private Secretary and more recently as Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party. I am grateful for the opportunities she has given me.
I am confident that her devotion to this country will not be over when she steps down as Prime Minister and am sure she will continue to serve the country in some capacity and participate in public life for many, many years to come.
