HAROLD Wilson's famous quip that a 'week is a long time in politics' ?has become an understatement since the referendum three weeks ago. We are fast becoming accustomed to political revelations, which in normal times would be momentous, occurring every day.

The referendum result came as a shock, to both sides. But the government was elected on a manifesto to deliver an EU referendum and respect the result.

David Cameron has been, in my view, an excellent Prime Minister, presiding over the first Coalition Government since the Second World War?, winning a second General Election outright, leading the economic recovery since the financial crisis and transforming public services.

I am clearly biased, having led his campaign in Shropshire to become Conservative Party leader in 2005, and being a member of his front bench team since 2008. While he has been an excellent leader of party and country, his legacy will be that he allowed the UK to vote to leave the EU.

Meanwhile practically every political party is in various stages of leadership change. Writing today, we have little sense of who will be in charge of each party. The Labour leader has lost the confidence of his MPs, and is undergoing a challenge from Angela Eagle; the UKIP leader has resigned, again; the leader of the Greens and Deputy Leader of the SNP have resigned, albeit not referendum related.

This week we do have more clarity about the future of the Conservative Party. I write on Monday as news of Andrea Leadsom’s withdrawal is just breaking, leaving Theresa May as the last candidate standing. I voted for Theresa May in the second ballot of MPs, as the experienced choice who will deliver continued stability during these uncertain times, so I think this outcome is best for the country. But I respect Andrea Leadsom’s decision to put the needs of the party and the country ahead of personal ambition in stepping back from the race.

So it now seems clear Theresa May will become the second female Conservative Prime Minister. She takes on a challenging role at a difficult time. There is clear need to bring together those who took different views during the referendum, to work for the good of the country as we undergo this significant change. She has committed to respecting the vote for Brexit, and must ensure Britain continues to be an open, prosperous nation, which works for the benefit of all of us.