DAVID CAMERON became Prime Minister tonight after a day of deal-making with the Liberal Democrats.

The Witney MP was asked by the Queen to become Premier shortly after 8pm – the result of striking an agreement with Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg for a coalition Government.

It ended five days of uncertainty following last Thursday’s General Election that left his Conservative Party short of an overall majority in the House of Commons.

Speaking for the first time as Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street with his wife Samantha a short distance behind, he said his Government would provide the strong and stable leadership the country needed.

He added: “I want to try to build a more responsible society in Britain where people do not ask ‘what are my entitlements’ but ‘what are my responsibilities’. Not ‘what am I owed’ but ‘what can I give?’”

Mr Cameron, elected Witney MP in 2001, said he was forming a ‘proper and full’ coalition between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

He added: “Nick Clegg and I are both political leaders who want to put aside political differences and work hard for common good and national interest.”

Back in west Oxfordshire, the news was greeted with jubilation by supporters. Toasts were made in the New Inn in Corn Street, where Mr Cameron is an occasional visitor.

Customer David Harvey said: “There is huge pride that he has gone from MP for Witney to Prime Minister.

“Everybody in the pub is excited.”

Witney Mayor James Mills said: “I think it’s excellent news for Witney and it will really put Witney firmly on the map.

“Everyone is on a high. Everyone is really chuffed.

“Now I hope they can all get on with the job of fixing the country.”

Elsewhere, the Rev Toby Wright, rector of Witney, said: “It’s good news for the constituency and good news for democracy that we’ve finally been able to move forward.”

Lesley Semaine, landlady of the Royal Oak in High Street and chairman of Witney Chamber of Trade, added: “I am absolutely delighted and I think all British people should be.

“The way the votes went show that we have voted for change.”

Mr Cameron’s political agent and leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, Barry Norton, said: “The Conservatives finished first in last week’s election, and there’s no doubt David has earned the moral right to Number 10.

“David has the intelligence, political ability, and determination to sort out the mess this country is in, and put Britain back on the road to growth and prosperity once again.”

Details on the make-up of the new Government are expected tomorrow.