The following statement was delivered by Mrs Palmavon Webster on Tuesday 23rd July, 2019.
This morning, at approximately 7:00 am Anguilla time and noon UK time, Mr. Boris Johnson was announced the new leader of the UK Conservative Party.
I want first and foremost to recognize the hard work and contribution of outgoing Conservative Party Leader and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mrs. Theresa May. To be in politics alone is difficult, to be a woman in politics is even more difficult. I wish to thank Theresa May for her service to the British Government and its people and I wish her the very best as she prepares to exit No. 10.
Today marks a new dispensation in British governance and politics. Members of the Conservative Party have voted overwhelmingly in favour of Boris Johnson to lead and, in turn, he will also become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Many see Boris Johnson as a modern day Winston Churchill, with charismatic and decisive leadership that some say is desperately needed at this critical juncture in the Brexit negotiations. Here, in Anguilla, we recognize our own sensitivities and vulnerabilities with the strong possibility of a United Kingdom that is no longer part of the European Union just on the horizon. It is my hope that the uncertainties associated with Brexit and the Overseas Territories, and in particular with Anguilla and our interconnectivity with neighbouring St. Martin/St. Maarten, will be a top priority of the new Prime Minister and his cabinet.
We will recall that, in his capacity as Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson visited Anguilla in the aftermath of the devastation from Hurricane Irma, and provided assurances to our government and our people for assistance and support in our recovery efforts. I want to thank Boris Johnson for his work during this period of great difficulty for our nation.
As Boris Johnson enters No. 10 Downing Street to take up his new responsibilities as Prime Minister, I wish him God speed and good judgement in the execution of his duties.
