Brexit Latest: Cameron says he should be replaced by October

LONDON (AP) _ British Prime Minister David Cameron says he’s resigning, now that the majority of British voters decided to leave the European Union.

Cameron says Britain needs fresh leadership. He says although Britain’s departure from the EU is not what he would have chosen, negotiations should begin to leave the 28-member bloc and that he’s not the “captain” to steer the country through those negotiations.

Cameron says he should be replaced by October.

Former London Mayor Boris Johnson, the most prominent supporter of the “leave” campaign, is seen as a leading contender to replace Cameron.  He says the vote to leave the European Union gives Britons a “glorious opportunity” to take control.   He said Friday there is no need for haste in negotiations.

He said the vote means Britain will be able to set its own taxes and control its own borders.

“It was a noble idea for its time; it is no longer right for this country,” Johnson said of the EU.

He praised Prime Minister David Cameron as an “extraordinary politician” and said he is “sad” to see Cameron resign.

The former London mayor did not say Thursday if he plans to contend for the Conservative Party leadership.

Britain will remain a member of the bloc until its exit negotiations are concluded, which probably means at least two years longer.

The leaders of the EU’s institutions said Friday that “until this process of negotiations is over, the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, with all the rights and obligations that derive from this.”