Theresa May, David Cameron attend last Cabinet meeting before transition

LONDON, July 12 (UPI) -- Theresa May visited 10 Downing Street as she prepares to take over as prime minister of Britain while David Cameron chaired his final Cabinet meeting Tuesday.

After Cameron's Cabinet meeting in the iconic 10 Downing Street government headquarters, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said there were some "wonderful tributes" to the outgoing prime minister led by May and Chancellor George Osborne.

"There was a feeling across the Cabinet of great pride at what David Cameron has achieved over the last six years, sadness that it has ended, in a way, perhaps much quicker than people thought," Hunt said, BBC News reported. "But also huge gratitude to him for what's he achieved for the country and the way he's changed the Conservative Party."

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale described the Cabinet meeting as "quite emotional," adding there was a feeling of "sadness" about Cameron's departure following the tumultuous fallout after Britain voted in a referendum to leave the European Union.

Cameron said it was an "honor and a pleasure" to chair the Cabinet for the past six years, adding that he wishes May "the support and friendship he had received and that she would be the right person to lead the country through the difficult times ahead."

Cameron will hand in his letter of resignation to Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday, when May will begin her tenure as the leader of the British government.

May, who previously served as home secretary, was expecting a contest for the position in a nine-week campaign before the withdrawal of Andrea Leadsom, a Brexit campaigner who was the only other candidate in the running. May's first Cabinet meeting is expected to be held July 19.