Theresa May has pledged to create "a country that works for everyone" as she took office as the UK's second female Prime Minister.

Speaking to the world's press outside Number 10, she said the decisions of her administration would be driven not by the interests of "the privileged few" but those voters struggling with the pressures of modern life.

In an address to the nation, the 59-year-old stressed her determination to keep the Union between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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She vowed to "rise to the challenge" of negotiating an exit from the European Union and forge a "bold new positive role" for Britain in the world.


Image: Theresa May and husband Philip wave outside 10 Downing Street

Her strongest message was of her intention to serve as a "One Nation" leader acting on behalf of all voters, not just the Conservatives' traditional supporters.

In a direct message to voters, she said: "I know you are working around the clock, I know you are doing your best and I know that sometimes life can be a struggle.

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"The Government I lead will be driven not by the interests of the privileged few but by yours. We will do everything we can to give you more control over your lives."

She then posed for pictures with her husband Philip, laughing and waving for the cameras, before heading inside.

Image: Staff clap as Theresa May walks into 10 Downing Street for the first time

Mrs May is now picking her first Cabinet - and she is expected to choose a record number of women for senior Government positions.

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David Cameron formally tendered his resignation to the Queen earlier, which Buckingham Palace said Her Majesty had "graciously accepted" after his six years in power.

The brief audience with Mr Cameron was followed within minutes by the arrival of Mrs May to be appointed by "kissing hands" with the monarch.

She arrived at the Palace by ministerial car, having set off from the House of Commons only after receiving the signal that Mr Cameron's resignation had been accepted by the Queen and that he had advised her to appoint Mrs May in his place.

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Mrs May's elevation to lead the country completes a whirlwind rise which was triggered by the unexpected EU referendum result on 23 June that forced Mr Cameron to resign.

In her address Mrs May paid tribute to her predecessor, saying she was following in the footsteps of a "great modern Prime Minister".

"Under David's leadership the Government stabilised the economy, reduced the budget deficit and helped more people into work than ever before.

"But David's true legacy is not about the economy but about social justice.

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"From the introduction of same sex marriage to taking people on low wages out of income tax altogether, David Cameron has led a One Nation government and it is in that spirit that I also plan to lead."

Reacting to Mrs May taking office, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "I welcome Theresa May's acknowledgement that, after six years of Tory government in which she was a senior minister, the economy is not working for working people.

"Her promise to give workers a say in boardrooms and act against exploitative zero hours contracts is also a step in a better direction.

"But most important is for the new administration to abandon the destructive austerity policies which have damaged our economy and undermined living standards for most people."

World leaders have been congratulating Mrs May on becoming PM.

Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EU Commission, said he "looked forward" to working closely with her in the wake of the Brexit vote, and wished Mrs May "every success".

Mrs May spoke with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande within hours of taking office.

She told them her new Government would need time before beginning talks on Britain's EU exit.