Brussels, 11th July 2016 -- European Conservatives and Reformists group leader Syed Kamall MEP has offered his congratulations to Theresa May on the likelihood that she will take over from David Cameron as British Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party.  

The Conservative MEP for London, said:

"On behalf of the ECR Group, we offer Theresa May our congratulations and our support. It was clear that she commands a significant level of support in the Conservative Party and she now has a clear path to unite the country and make the outcome of the referendum work for the UK and the EU.

"Andrea Leadsom's decision to drop out of the race was typical of her principled and honourable approach to an often brutal business. She has a great deal to offer in the future service of her country.       

"Theresa May now starts the hard task of forging a new relationship between Britain and the EU. She has already won respect in the capitals of Europe and will be able to immediately negotiate the UK's withdrawal from the EU in a manner that is mutually beneficial to both sides. I, and the ECR Group, will do all that we can to support her in the difficult work ahead.

"As the Labour Party continues to tear itself to pieces, the Conservative Party will now come together with a clear mission and a new leader to unite behind. Now is the time to look to the future, and I am pleased that we can hit the ground running much sooner than expected."

ENDS  

Contact: ECR Press Office, James Holtum on +32 473 861762; james.holtum@europarl.europa.eu

The ECR was created to take the EU in a new direction, according to the principles of our founding Prague Declaration.

For more information on the ECR, watch our promotional video at http://youtu.be/F5syQt1JuQI or visit our website: www.ecrgroup.eu