I first met David Cameron nearly 20 years ago. Even then he was a star in the Conservative firmament, whispered about as the coming man. Since then he has devoted the greater part of his adult life to both the party and public service. He has experienced political triumphs and personal tragedies, and faced everything that has come his way with courage and dignity, as he did today.
As Prime Minister, he will always be the man who lead the country out of a very dark and difficult period after the recession and held a fractious coalition together through sheer force of will and personal charm. He delivered the first Conservative majority in 24 years and it is profoundly sad that the fickle winds of politics which blew him to triumph just 12 months ago, have now turned, and brought about his resignation.
His six years in No. 10 have seen enormous change for my party, and enormous progress for our country. His achievements are singular and I salute him for his service.