Key answer: when Cameron resigned at a glance
David Cameron resigned as UK Prime Minister on 13 July 2016, following the 23 June 2016 Brexit referendum in which he advocated for Remain. He formally stepped down as Prime Minister that evening, and subsequently resigned as MP for Witney in September 2016. This status clarifier outlines the exact timeline, context, and verified outcomes so readers can quickly understand what happened and when.
Context: why Cameron’s resignation matters
Cameron’s departure marked a major constitutional and political moment for the United Kingdom. His decision to call the Brexit referendum, the result’s impact on his leadership, and the subsequent handover to a new Prime Minister reshaped UK politics and policy for years. Clarifying when Cameron resigned helps readers anchor this period and understand the sequence of events leading to it.
Timeline: key dates and events
The following timeline captures the most material milestones, from the referendum to formal departures. Dates are drawn from authoritative parliamentary and news records.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 23 June 2016 | Brexit referendum (Leave wins) | Result created pressure on Cameron to step down. |
| 24 June 2016 | Cameron announces he will resign as PM | Signals intention to leave once a new leader is in place. |
| 13 July 2016, evening | Cameron resigns as Prime Minister; Theresa May becomes PM | Formal transfer of power completes. |
| 12 September 2016 | Cameron resigns as MP for Witney | Completes his exit from elected office. |
Immediate triggers: referendum and aftermath
On 24 June 2016, Cameron stated he would resign as Prime Minister once a new Conservative Party leader was in place, linking his future directly to the referendum outcome. This announcement established the timeline and made clear that his tenure would end regardless of the result. His resignation as Prime Minister followed on 13 July 2016 after the leadership contest concluded.
Formal handover of power
On 13 July 2016, Cameron met the Queen to resign, and Theresa May was appointed Prime Minister later that day. Cabinet colleagues departed Downing Street in the afternoon, and the transition was executed with minimal disruption to government operations. This date is consistently cited in official and media accounts as the effective date of Cameron’s departure from executive authority.
Subsequent departure from Parliament
Cameron remained the MP for Witney until September 2016. On 12 September 2016, he formally resigned his seat, triggering a by-election won by the Conservative candidate. This step separated his continued parliamentary role from his earlier role as head of government, finalizing his exit from public office.
Common misconceptions and clarifications
- He did not resign immediately after the referendum vote; he remained in place for about three weeks until a successor was confirmed.
- Cameron’s resignation as Prime Minister and later as MP are separate events; the former occurred in July, the latter in September 2016.
- The timing was driven by the need for Conservative Party leadership stability and constitutional protocol, not by a single precipitating incident beyond the referendum result.
Lasting significance
Cameron’s departure set the stage for major policy shifts, including Brexit negotiations and domestic agenda changes under Theresa May and subsequent governments. Clarifying when Cameron resigned anchors later analysis of these developments and helps readers distinguish his period in office from what followed.
Status summary
As of the present, David Cameron is a former Prime Minister and former MP. His time in government ended with his resignation as Prime Minister on 13 July 2016 and his final departure from Parliament on 12 September 2016. This status remains accurate regardless of future political developments.