I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and monthsbut I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.This is not a decision I've taken lightly but I do believe it's in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required.There is no need for a precise timetable today but in my view we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October.Delivering stability will be important and I will continue in post as Prime Minister with my Cabinet for the next three months.The Cabinet will meet on Monday, the Governor of the Bank of England is making a statement about the steps that the Bank and the Treasury are taking to reassure financial markets.We will also continue taking forward the important legislation that we set before Parliament in the Queen's Speech.And I have spoken to Her Majesty the Queen this morning to advise her of the steps that I am taking.A negotiation with the European Union will need to begin under a new prime ministerand I think it's right that this new prime minister takes the decision about when to trigger Article 50 and start the formal and legal process of leaving the EU.I will attend the European Council next week to explain the decision the British people have taken and my own decision.
