New British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Arrives at 10 Downing Street

Boris Johnson took office Wednesday, July 24, as British prime minister after an audience with Queen Elizabeth, a moment that put an avowed Brexit advocate in control of Britain’s exit from the European Union for the first time since the shock 2016 referendum.

Prime Minister Theresa May earlier on Wednesday left 10 Downing Street after a three-year premiership that was marred by crises over Brexit. She formally tendered her resignation to Queen Elizabeth.

One of Britain’s most prominent Brexit campaigners, Johnson has repeatedly pledged to leave the EU by Oct. 31 — “do or die” — and to inject a new optimism and energy into the divorce, which he argues will bring a host of opportunities. (Reuters)