Thatcher to Johnson: British PMs' resignations over the decades
STORY: British prime-ministerial resignations over the decades
Date: November 28, 1990
‘Iron Lady’ Margaret Thatcher served from 1979 to 1990
as Britain's first female prime minister
She fell from power as some of her most senior ministers turned on her
in what she later labeled as 'treachery'
She was seen in tears leaving Downing Street
[Margaret Thatcher, Former British prime minister]
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are leaving Downing Street for the last time after 11 and a half wonderful years, and we are very happy that we leave United Kingdom in a very, very much better state than when we came here 11 and a half years ago. Now, it is time for a new chapter to open and I wish John Major all the luck in the world. He'll be splendidly served and he has the makings of a great prime minister, which I am sure he will be in a very short time. Thank you very much, good bye."
Date: May 2, 1997
John Major was Thatcher's successor
His premiership was plagued by disputes within his party over Europe
and lost the top spot in a landslide election defeat to Tony Blair
British newspapers at the time called the election result a ‘massacre’
[John Major, Former British prime minister]
"When the curtain falls, it's time to get off the stage and that is what I propose to do. I shall therefore advise my parliamentary colleagues that I believe that it would be appropriate for them to consider the selection of a new leader of the Conservative party to lead the party through opposition during the years which lie immediately ahead."
Date: July 11, 2016
David Cameron stepped down after the Britons voted to leave the EU
saying the country needed ‘fresh leadership’ to negotiate Brexit
He was heard humming as he walked back to Number 10
[David Cameron, Former British prime minister]
"On Wednesday I will attend the House of Commons for Prime Minister's Questions and then after that I expect to go to the palace and offer my resignation, so we will have a new prime minister in that building behind me by Wednesday evening. Thank you very much."
Date: May 24, 2019
Theresa May announced she will quit after failing to deliver Brexit
and a cleaner break with the European Union
[Theresa May, Former British prime minister]
"I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honor of my life to hold - the second female Prime Minister but certainly not the last. I do so with no ill-will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love."
Date: July 7, 2022
Boris Johnson quit after he dramatically lost the support of his ministers
following months of scandals and missteps
[Boris Johnson, Former British prime minister]
"Good afternoon everybody. Good afternoon. It... thank you, thank you. It is clearly now the will of the parliamentary Conservative party that there should be a new leader of that party, and therefore, a new prime minister. Even if things can sometimes seem dark now, our future together is golden. Thank you all very much."
