Will stay to implement outcome of EU referendum: Cameron

LONDON: Thursday’s referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU is considered more important than many general elections, but politics in Westminster village will begin soon after the result is known, with much talk about the future of PM David Cameron.

For the record, he has insisted he will continue in his post to implement the decision of the British public, whichever way the vote goes. But it is fair to say he will lose much shine and authority if the vote is to leave the European Union.

Cameron’s plans will be clear from his brief televised address to the nation outside No 10, Downing Street, on Friday morning. He has been the most prominent leader of the Remain camp, travelling across the country and featuring often on television and in other news media. He has already made it known he will not contest the 2020 general elections.

After the campaign created deep divisions in the Conservative Party, there is much talk of Cameron carrying out a “revenge reshuffle” if the vote is to Remain. This could involve the six ministers in the Leave camp. Justice secretary Michael Gove of the Leave camp wants to “reflect” on his cabinet position if Remain wins. However, on Wednesday, leading Conservative lights in both camps claimed the party will reunite after the referendum. According to former London mayor Boris Johnson (Leave), the Conservative Party will be able to pull together. “The Conservative Party will be a nest of singing birds by the time this whole thing is out of the way,” he told BBC.

Gove tried to play down personal attacks during the campaign. “It will be easier than many people imagine because there is a fund of goodwill, and a reservoir of civility, and a sense of common purpose, that unites Conservatives,” he said.