David Cameron, Britain's Prime Minister, to step down after 'Brexit' vote

LONDON — British Prime Minister David Cameron said Friday he will step down after voters moved to withdraw from the European Union.

Official results showed the "Leave" campaign took 51.9 percent of the ballots compared to 48.1 percent for "Remain."

SEE ALSO: BBC forecasts UK votes to leave European Union

The referendum was Cameron delivering on an election promise — but the premier had forcefully campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU.

The results served as an indictment of Britain's government and immediately sparked speculation about Cameron's political future.

Cameron said early Friday that the British people had spoken — and "their will must be respected."

Image: Reuters

With markets in freefall after the result, Cameron attempted to reassure anxious investors that the British economy was "fundamentally strong" and that any trade or travel changes would not be immediate.

He said outside of Downing Street that he was "very proud" and "honored" to have led the country for six years — but that Britain now "must prepare for a negotiation" with the European Union, one that "will require strong, determined and committed leadership."

"I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," he told reporters outside his Downing Street office.

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A clearly emotional Cameron said he would resign as prime minister by the fall, adding it was "not a decision I've taken lightly."

The news hit as Londoners were racing to work, with many glued to their cellphones as the headlines were alerted.

"I'm happy to see him go," said legal assistant Colette, 42.

She told NBC News that she hadn't voted for Cameron — and had cast a ballot in favor of leaving the EU.

"I thought there need to be some big changes," said Colette, who would only give her first name. She said she was "shocked" that the "Leave" camp won.

"It is gonna be a little bit crazy for a while but I think it's going to even out," she added.

More from NBCNews.com:
What You Need to Know About U.K.'s 'Brexit'
From Triumph to Trump: Online Reactions to 'Brexit'
Is 'Brexit' the Beginning of End for European Union?