COLLEAGUES of David Cameron praised the outgoing Prime Minister as "a statesman who put the country first without for one moment losing sight of his constituency duties".

The Witney MP intends to continue as a backbencher but admitted he would miss the "roar of the crowd" and "the barbs from the opposition" that come with the top job in politics.

After delivering an emotional speech on the steps of Downing Street today, he set off for Buckingham Palace where he formally resigned to make way for Theresa May, a former pupil of Wheatley Park School and graduate of St Hugh’s College in Oxford.

Tributes to Mr Cameron, who was Prime Minister for six years and Conservative leader for almost 11 years, poured in from party members in Oxfordshire.

Oxford Mail:

  • David Cameron addresses the world media outside Downing Street.

West Oxfordshire association chairman David McFarlane said: "David Cameron has been as inspiring a Prime Minister as he has been member of Parliament for the Witney constituency – a statesman who has put the country first without for one moment losing sight of his constituency duties. 

"He isn’t returning to us as I feel we never lost him, he has been incredibly diligent at attending constituency engagements and surgeries and continuing to play a full and active role in West Oxfordshire life throughout his time as Prime Minister. 

"It is a privilege to support the work of someone who has given so much to the constituency and the country."

Ian Hudspeth, Conservative leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: "I have had the privilege of working on all of David Cameron's general election campaigns and working with him over the past 16 years. 

Oxford Mail:

  • Mr Cameron and his wife Samantha shortly after he was elected Witney MP in 2001.

"He has left the country in a far better condition than when he became Prime Minister in 2010, making us all proud to be British. 

"He gave the opportunity for the people to make the decision to leave Europe. This will be his legacy and in years to come we may look back and thank him for making it a reality."

Mr Cameron announced he would resign on June 24, in the wake of Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

He expected to vacate Downing Street in September but Andrea Leadsom's exit from the Conservative leadership race on Monday ensured rival Mrs May's path to be the country's second female Prime Minister.

Looking back to when Mr Cameron was first selected as Witney's Conservative parliamentary candidate in 2001, his former election agent Sir Barry Norton said: "I have watched David's meteoric rise with great pride since he came to Witney in 2000.

Oxford Mail:

  • Left, Mr Cameron with Sir Barry Norton at the Witney count during the 2015 General Election.

"I am very sad he decided to step down as Prime Minister but I understand his reasons and believe he has been hugely successful as our head of national government and as our local MP.

"There is no doubt in my mind that what is the country's loss will be West Oxfordshire's gain."

Liam Walker, a Witney Conservatives activist, added: "He leaves behind a great legacy. 

"It will be strange seeing him on the backbenches as I don't really remember what it was like before he was leader.

"We look forward to him carrying on as our local member of Parliament."

Speaking in front of Downing Street's famous black door with wife Samantha and children Nancy, Elwen and Florence behind him, Mr Cameron said being Prime Minister had been "the greatest honour" of his life.

He added: "As we leave for the last time, my only wish is continued success for this great country that I love so very much."