British Home Secretary and leadership candidate for Britain’s ruling Conservative Party, Theresa May. (Matt Dunham / AP)

British Home Secretary Theresa May will succeed Cameron as soon as Wednesday, the outgoing leader of the Conservative Party said in a public statement.

The Guardian reports:

The outgoing prime minister made a brief statement on Monday, welcoming the fact there would not be a prolonged Conservative leadership contest, saying that he felt Andrea Leadsom had made the right decision to step aside.

“It is clear that Theresa May has the overwhelming support of the Conservative parliamentary party. I’m also delighted that Theresa May will be the next prime minister,” he said.

“She is strong, she is competent, she is more than able to provide the leadership that the country needs in the years ahead. She will have my full support.”

May will be the 76th prime minister since Sir Robert Walpole, considered to be the first holder of the office. She will also be the 13th person to hold the office during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

David Cameron announces the selection of May:

—Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly.