British PM David Cameron defends comment that he won't seek third term

LONDON, March 25 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister David Cameron sparked backlash on Monday, when said he would not seek a third term in office. Cameron still has to secure a second term in the general election in May.

"The third term is not something I am contemplating," the Conservative Party leader recently told BBC News.

"I've said I'll stand for a full second term, but I think after that it will be time for new leadership. Terms are like Shredded Wheat -- two are wonderful but three might just be too many."

Cameron's political opponents were quick to criticize his remarks, with a Liberal Democrat spokesman calling them "incredibly presumptuous."

Douglas Alexander, a Labour Party campaign strategy chairman, said it was "typically arrogant of David Cameron to presume a third Tory term in 2020 before the British public have been given the chance to have their say in this election."

Cameron defended his remarks Tuesday, telling BBC News that he gave "a very straight answer to a very straight question."

He also said he was "taking absolutely nothing for granted"

British prime ministers can serve five-year terms and there is no limit on the number of terms.