A STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

After much deliberation, I have decided that I will not stand as a candidate in the upcoming Conservative leadership election. It has been a honour to serve as your Prime Minister. My purpose has always been the restoration of our national strength and the defense of those liberties which define the British character. I am proud that we achieved the Conservatives' best result ever with 276 seats—a decisive mandate for the principles of economic strength and individual responsibility. We have faced down the decline that once seemed inevitable and replaced it with the resolve of a nation that refuses to be managed into mediocrity. However, the task of governance now passes to others. I believe the party must choose a leader who will not flinch from the hard choices required to keep Britain strong. I shall continue to serve the people of this country with the same conviction. Thank you.