CHAPTER 83
PEOPLE WERE watching in disbelief, Noah Hughes' face was bleak.
"To implement what the people decided, I did everything I could to convince the deputies not to support the withdrawal agreement. Unfortunately, I couldn't. It is now clear to me that it is in the country's interest for a new Prime Minister to lead this effort. Therefore, I announce that I am stepping down as leader of the Conservative Party on Friday. It will always be a matter of great regret that it failed to stop Brexit, or at least try to argue that it was the least damaging for the UK. It will be up to my successor to look for a path that honors the result of the referendum. To be successful, he or she will have to find a consensus in Parliament, which I couldn't. This consensus can only be reached if both parties to the debate are available for compromise."
Visibly moved, he added that it was the greatest honor of his life to have been the youngest Prime Minister in the United Kingdom, and to have served the country he loves so much.
Without expecting any applause or questioning, he left the room and looked at Selene Stillton and said:
— I hope you keep what you promised.
She smiled at him and said:
— It's all ready for you, dear.