Kingston and Surbiton MP James Berry has said David Cameron’s resignation following voters’ historic decision to leave the European Union is an “unworthy end to a very fine Prime Minister”.

The Conservative politician, who won his seat in last year’s general election, said frontrunner Boris Johnson would be a “very fine” choice to replace the outgoing PM, but added Mr Cameron's tenure “would take some beating”.

Mr Cameron, regarded as the leader of the Remain campaign, announced this morning that he would resign in three months’ time after Britain voted for Brexit.

Just under 52 percent of Britons voted to leave the EU, compared to 48.1 per cent wanting to stay.

Mr Berry said: “I’m very disappointed. I think it’s an unworthy end to a very fine Prime Minister who brought the economy back from the brink.

“The good thing about the Prime Minister was that he would actually speak to me as a new backbencher and be accommodating. He understood my concerns.”

The referendum, which was called by Mr Cameron, has exposed historic splits within the Tory party, with senior figures including Michael Gove and Mr Johnson coming out in support of leaving.

Mr Berry denied that Mr Cameron made a mistake calling the referendum and said the Conservative Party must now move forward with a united front.

He said: “In terms of calling the referendum, I was one of the people who campaigned for an in-out referendum because there was a popular demand for people to have a say on our EU membership.

“It wasn’t the result that I voted for but it is a result that we have to move forward with.

“I think the most important thing to me is that we continue with our one-nation conservatism and that we deliver our manifesto.

“The majority of people did want to leave the EU, you can’t not give people a say just because you don’t happen to agree with what they come back with.”

Boris Johnson, who was one of the main advocates to leave the EU, has emerged as the bookies' favourite to replace Mr Cameron at Number 10.

Mr Berry added: “Obviously Boris is a very strong candidate – he is very popular. I think he would make a very fine Prime Minister even though David Cameron is going to take some beating.”

Mr Cameron said this morning: “The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered.

“We should be proud of the fact that in these islands we trust the people for these big decisions.

“I would reassure those markets and investors that Britain's economy is fundamentally strong and I would also reassure Britons living in European countries and European citizens living here there will be no immediate changes in your circumstances.

“There will be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move or the way our services can be sold.

“We must now prepare for a negotiation with the European Union.

“This will need to involve the full engagement of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments to ensure that the interests of all parts of our United Kingdom are protected and advanced.

“But above all this will require strong, determined and committed leadership.

“I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.

“This is not a decision I've taken lightly but I do believe it's in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required.”