Today David Cameron answered his last Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons. He showed us exactly how a true statesman leads: with class, eloquence, grace and humour.
David Cameron has given great service to our party and our country for more than a decade. As our Leader he championed modern , compassionate, Conservatism, planted us firmly in the centre-ground and took us back into government. And as our Prime Minister he led an historic coalition, brought the country back from the brink of bankruptcy and won a General Election against the odds. He has established a stable, One-Nation government with a mandate to continue serving the people under the leadership of Theresa May in the years ahead.
Of his many achievements in office, a few stand out: record low unemployment, millions of apprenticeships, combining economic prudence with social justice, reforming welfare, improving schools, committing to international aid and defence spending. And equal marriage, troubled families programme and the life chances strategy. He led the Conservatives to victory by modernising our party, for example in encouraging more women to stand for Parliament.
The decision to leave the EU was only possible because David Cameron honoured a manifesto commitment to let the people have their say. As we tackle the important negotiations ahead, we do so with the UK in a much better position to face the future with confidence. As Conservatives we can all be proud of the Cameron legacy. An optimist, a family man, a public servant and a leader, he still has a lot to give the country. Thank you David Cameron.