In a surprise move, Theresa May appoints former London mayor and Leave campaigner Boris Johnson as foreign secretary.
After weeks of turmoil in British politics following the EU referendum, Theresa May, a Conservative politician, has become Britain's second female prime minister.
May, 59, accepted an invitation from Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday to form a new government just minutes after David Cameron, the outgoing prime minister, tendered his resignation to the 90-year-old.
"The government I'll lead will be driven not by the interests of the privileged few, but by yours," said May, as she arrived at 10 Downing Street from Buckingham Palace.
In a surprise move, May named Boris Johnson, former London mayor and prominent figure in the victorious "Leave" campaign in Britain's EU referendum as foreign secretary.
Johnson's role in Britain's negotiations over its future relationship with the EU is likely to be limited because May is expected to create a new ministerial post focused exclusively on Brexit issues.
Nevertheless, as foreign minister, Johnson, who has never previously held a cabinet post, will have to address questions about the country's role in the world after its exit from the EU and he will inherit Britain's often difficult relationship with Russia.
Meanwhile, Philip Hammond was appointed chancellor, replacing George Osborne.
Until Wednesday, May was the home secretary under Prime Minister David Cameron
May is the second female prime minister after Margaret Thatcher, also a Conservative politician, who led the country from 1979 until 1990.
In her first speech as prime minister, May promised to fight against "burning injustice", citing difficulties of young white working class men in attending university, black Britons when they need to use the criminal justice system, women in the workplace, mental health patients and young people who hope to own their own homes.
David Cameron's "true legacy is not about the economy but about social justice", she said. "In that spirit, I also plan to lead."
Her appointment comes amid weeks of uncertainty after millions of Britons went against her advice, and that of Cameron, and voted to leave the EU.
Until Wednesday, May was the home secretary.
| Until Wednesday, May was the home secretary under Prime Minister David Cameron |
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