EVEN by the hectic standard set by the last three rollercoaster weeks in British politics, Monday’s events were truly remarkable.
In the space of a couple of hours, the Conservative leadership campaign was completed, our new leader hailed, David Cameron announced he would leave No 10 by Wednesday evening and the Labour party started its own leadership battle.
I am sure Theresa May will do a great job as our new Prime Minister. She has set her stall out clearly. We know what she wants to achieve for our country.
Firstly, and perhaps most importantly at a time when the country faces some uncertainty and complex issues to resolve, she is the experienced and skilled politician the UK needs.
Her 20 years at the top table in politics and government will be invaluable in the days and months ahead. Those record-breaking six years as Home Secretary – one of the most tricky of Cabinet posts – is ideal preparation for the top job and evidence of her strong, proven leadership qualities.
Her record at the Home Office is impressive and not just for its longevity. The milestone Modern Slavery Act which addressed the issue of people trafficking and slavery was just one of her many achievements.
Those qualities – along with her well-established reputation of mastering the detail of issues - will be most important as she finds the best course through the uncharted waters ahead.
On Monday, Theresa May set out her vision for the country and committed herself to serious social and economic reform.
She wants an economy which works for everyone, to make sure that as the economy grows everyone benefits – not just those at the top. Her plan to curb excessive executive pay is a very tangible signal that she wants the success of the British economy to be shared more fairly.
She wants to bring the country back together – in her words benefiting rich and poor, north and south, urban and rural, young and old, male and female, black and white, sick and healthy, public sector, private sector, those with skills and those without.
I particularly welcome her remarks on making sure our schools provide the best opportunities for all pupils, on apprenticeships, on improving productivity, on funding big infrastructure projects and bridging the North-South divide.
Importantly, she is committed to Brexit. Her attitude is positive, seeing it as an opportunity, not a problem, and I am sure she can get the best deal for Britain.
Ken Clarke’s description of her being “a bloody difficult woman” will be worn by Theresa almost as a badge of pride. And as she herself said, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and the other leaders of the European Union will shortly find out just how difficult she can be!
Her background and upbringing – the daughter of a Church of England vicar, a grammar-school education – was not highly privileged and she is committed to public service.
I am looking forward to working with Theresa to make the most of the opportunity presented by the EU referendum result and making Britain a better place for all of us – regardless of where we live or our background.