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START OF THE FAREWELL TOUR

Grim-faced Cameron makes first appearance since quitting as he attends Armed Forces Day event

DAVID Cameron has been pictured for the first time since announcing his intention to resign as he commemorates Armed Forces Day.

The Prime Minister is up in Cleethorpes for a military parade and air show as he begins his farewell tour as leader of the nation.

 David Cameron was pictured for the first time since resigning as Prime Minister
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David Cameron was pictured for the first time since resigning as Prime MinisterCredit: Getty Images
 The PM was looking glum at the military event in Cleethorpes
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The PM was looking glum at the military event in CleethorpesCredit: Getty Images

The top Tory was forced to step down after six years in Downing Street after the country backed Brexit in Thursday’s historic EU referendum.

He made an emotional statement on the steps of Number 10 yesterday morning after it became clear the UK had voted to leave.

Appearing alongside his wife Samantha he said he had informed the Queen of his decision to remain in place for the short term.

 He waved to members of the public the day after announcing he was resigning after six years in Number 10
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He waved to members of the public the day after announcing he was resigning after six years in Number 10Credit: PA
 Prime Minister David Cameron arrives to watch the parade during Armed Forces Day at Cleethorpes
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Prime Minister David Cameron arrives to watch the parade during Armed Forces Day at CleethorpesCredit: PA

“The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected,” he said.

“The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered.”

 Emotional day ... Cam made his first appearance at Armed Forces Day
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Emotional day ... Cam made his first appearance at Armed Forces DayCredit: Getty Images
 Farewell tour begins ... PM shows his face in Cleethorpes for military parade
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Farewell tour begins ... PM shows his face in Cleethorpes for military paradeCredit: Getty Images

Mr Cameron said he wanted a new leader to be in place by this autumn’s Conservative conference.

He added: “I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.”

His voice breaking, Mr Cameron said: “I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it and I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed.”

Today he is joining the Duke of Kent to watch an amphibious capability demonstration at the event in Lincolnshire.

There will also be appearances by the RAF Falcons parachute display team and flypasts by the Red Arrows and the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The announcement came after the electorate chose to quit the EU by 52% to 48%.

 'I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination' ... Cameron admits failings
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'I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination' ... Cameron admits failingsCredit: Getty Images
 Armed Forces Day ... Red Arrows put on a show at main celebration in Cleethorpes
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Armed Forces Day ... Red Arrows put on a show at main celebration in CleethorpesCredit: Getty Images
 Aerobatic display ... Red Arrows take to the skies in North East Lincolnshire
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Aerobatic display ... Red Arrows take to the skies in North East LincolnshireCredit: Getty Images

Mr Cameron said he accepted the outcome, which has left the country split in half.

While most of England and Wales chose to Leave the EU, voters in Scotland and London overwhelmingly backed Remain.

A massive popular uprising against the capital's elites was credited for the extraordinary result - which defied almost every expert prediction.

Huge swathes of the North, the East coast, the Midlands and rural areas across the south, all backed Out.

The final result saw 17,759,184 Brits vote to leave, while 16,580,508 backed remain.

 One of Cleethorpes' biggest events ... 2016 National Armed Forces Day
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One of Cleethorpes' biggest events ... 2016 National Armed Forces DayCredit: Getty Images
 The top Tory made an emotional statement on the steps of Downing Street after the UK backed Brexit
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 The top Tory made an emotional statement on the steps of Downing Street after the UK backed BrexitCredit: Getty Images
 He talked to military staff as he watched the parade in Lincolnshire this morning
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He talked to military staff as he watched the parade in Lincolnshire this morningCredit: LNP

All eyes are now on Boris Johnson with the former London Mayor the favourite to become the next Prime Minister.

The Brexiteer emerged this morning as he set off for a day in the countryside with his wife Marina Wheeler.

He was pictured waving to the waiting photographers, but he is yet to formally set out whether he will run in the upcoming Tory leadership election.

 A royal affair ... Prince Edward is in town to watch the celebrations
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A royal affair ... Prince Edward is in town to watch the celebrationsCredit: Alamy
 Celebration ... general public in Cleethorpes show support for serving troops, service families, war veterans and cadets
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Celebration ... general public in Cleethorpes show support for serving troops, service families, war veterans and cadetsCredit: Press Association

It comes Theresa May is being tipped to stand against him as his enemies try and block his path to Downing Street.

The Home Secretary has emerged as the favoured “Stop Boris” candidate, and is seen as the person who may be able to put the party back together, after it was once again left deeply divided over Britain’s relationship with Europe.

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