CHURCHILL RESIGNS FROM OFFICE

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27628, 7 April 1955, Page 11

CHURCHILL RESIGNS FROM OFFICE

Eden To Be New British Prime Minister

* (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON, April 6. «M ht accepted Sir Winston Churchill’s resignation as Britain s Prime Minister. summoned Sir Anthony Eden for an audience and asked him to become the new leader. He accepted. Winston Churchill’s resignation—a reluctant rnnn HoiUri ‘ BO years—the Queen expressed her regret that the from fU the greatest Englishman of modern times was departing from high office. The historic meeting lasted for 43 minutes.

. A formal 35-word statement issued by tfie Palace \ n^ rmed the world officially of the change. It said: The Right Honourable Sir Winston Churchill had an audience of the Queen this evening and tendered his resignation as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasjjfy, which Her Majesty was graciously pleased to accept.”

The great leader, who guided Britain through World War 11, went out of office in a strange silence. There were no newspapers to herald the event because of the strike, but thousands of people gathered in Downing Street during the day to cheer and say farewell.

Sir Winston Churchill will go on holiday to Sicily and return to the House of Commons as plain M.P. for Woodford (Essex). But as Britain’s elder statesman his voice may still be heard on the great issues of the day. Sir Winston Churchiii has been Prime Minister for eight years seven months and 25 days—including five years as war-time leader.