Theresa May promises 'one nation' government in first speech as prime minister

Britain’s second female PM vows to tackle injustice in British society and stresses determination to preserve union of UK

Theresa May promised to fight “burning injustice” in British society, govern for the poor and marginalised, and create a union “between all of our citizens” in her first remarks as the UK’s prime minister.

Standing outside No 10 Downing Street after visiting the Queen in Buckingham Palace to “kiss hands” and be formally anointed as Britain’s second female prime minister, May made a bold grab for the political centre ground.

The former home secretary looked directly into the waiting television cameras, and said she would make decisions based on the interests of struggling families, not the rich.

“If you’re one of those families, if you’re just managing, I want to address you directly. I know you’re working around the clock. I know you’re doing your best. I know that sometimes life can be a struggle.

“The government I lead will be driven not by the interests of the privileged few, but by yours. We will do everything we can to give you more control over your lives,” she said.

“When we take the big calls, we’ll think not of the powerful, but you. When we pass new laws we’ll listen not to the mighty, but to you. When it comes to taxes we’ll prioritise not the wealthy but you.

“When it comes to opportunity we won’t entrench the advantages of the fortunate few. We will do everything we can to help anybody, whatever your background, to go as far as your talents will take you.”

May said she would follow in David Cameron’s footsteps as a “one nation” prime minister, but her emphasis on social injustice suggested a shift of tone.

She also stressed that the full name of the Conservative party was the Conservative and Unionist party, and she would safeguard the union between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — as Scotland threatens to break away after the vote to leave the EU.

May spoke outside No 10 shortly after emerging from Buckingham Palace, having paid the traditional visit to the Queen to be invited to form a government. She is the 54th holder of the office of prime minister since it was created in the 18th century.

She went to the palace after Cameron had been to tender his resignation to the Queen.

Cameron, who stepped down after his campaign to remain in the EU lost last month’s referendum, had earlier congratulated May as he left No 10 for the last time as PM with his wife and children.

May swept to her party’s leadership, when her final opponent, the pro-Brexit Andrea Leadsom, dropped out this week after making controversial comments about motherhood. May had served Cameron as home secretary throughout his six years in government.

The new prime minister was expected to make the first senior appointments to her government on Wednesday evening, including a minister for Brexit.

Cameron had ranked a stronger economy, gay marriage and free schools as the heart of his legacy in a final and emotional farewell speech in Downing Street. Standing with his family, he said being prime minister had been “the greatest honour of my life”.

Addressing the waiting media before heading to Buckingham Palace, Cameron sought to paint a positive picture of his time in office, despite it ending suddenly after the EU referendum result.

“It’s not been easy journey, and of course we’ve not got every decision right,” he said, alongside his wife, Samantha, and children Nancy, Elwen and Florence.

Giving his account of six years in office, Cameron highlighted, among other things, gay marriage, the protection of the foreign aid budget, the NHS and the national living wage. He also mentioned the economy and jobs, changes to the care system, free schools and the national citizen service.