As the U.K continues to grapple with the political fallout of the historic Brexit vote, here's a look at some of the key power players and where they are now after more than half of referendum voters opted for the country to leave the EU.
David Cameron
The British prime minister announced his resignation on the day the Brexit vote result was announced.
Analysts say Cameron took a giant gamble in initially calling for a referendum, which was largely seen as a bid to chip away at the growing support for the UK Independence Party and to satisfy the anti-EU factions of his Conservative Party. In the end, however, the gamble brought an end to his term as prime minister.
Cameron, who campaigned to remain in the EU, says he will stay on as party leader as long as is necessary to prepare Britain to leave the bloc. However, he says he will not see the process, which is expected to take two years, through to the end.
Boris Johnson
The former mayor of London helped lead the "leave" campaign, and was widely seen as a frontrunner to replace Cameron. However, Johnson shocked analysts last week when he announced he would not run for the Conservative Party leadership.
Johnson, who served as London's mayor from 2008 to 2016, dropped his Tory leadership bid after Justice Secretary Michael Gove withdrew his support, announcing that he himself would run. Complicating matters is the fact that Gove had served as Johnson's campaign manager.
At a press conference last week, the former London mayor told reporters that the next Conservative leader would need to unite the party and secure Britain's standing in the world.
"Having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in Parliament, I have concluded that person cannot be me," he said.
Michael Gove
The justice secretary campaigned with Johnson to bolster the "leave" vote. Now, with Johnson no longer running for Conservative leadership, Gove is seen by many as a serious candidate to replace Cameron.
The former newspaper journalist had previously denied he had any ambition to lead Britain. However, he appears to have changed his mind post-Brexit, telling reporters that the country "needed someone who would be able to build a team, lead and unite."
Nigel Farage
The head of the UK Independence Party announced his resignation as party leader on July 4.
Farage was a key supporter of the "leave" campaign, taking particular issue with immigration.
In his resignation announcement, Farage was unapologetic about his departure so soon after the divisive vote, noting that his "political ambition" had been achieved with the "leave" side winning.
"During the referendum campaign, I said I want my country back. What I'm saying today is I want my life back, and it begins right now," Farage said at a news conference.
He said at the news conference that he will retain his seat in the European Parliament to see out the Brexit negotiations.
Jeremy Corbyn
The opposition Labour Party is also in turmoil, with its leader Jeremy Corbyn holding onto power despite Labour lawmakers passing a no-confidence vote against him. Some members of the party are concerned that Labour will be wiped out if the new Conservative leader quickly calls an election.
Ed Miliband, the former Labour Party Leader, said that Britain is facing its biggest crisis since the Second World War and Corbyn "cannot rise to that challenge."
Theresa May
Britain's interior minister is considered a top contender to replace the outgoing Cameron. Her file, which she has held for six years, is considered one of the toughest in British politics.
While she supported the "remain" side during the leadup to the referendum, she says she will respect voters' wishes, and will create a new government department devoted to handling the Brexit negotiations.
The other candidates to replace Cameron are: Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb, Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom, and former Defence Secretary Liam Fox.
Conservative lawmakers will narrow down the field to two final candidates, before more than 100,000 party members select the winner in a postal ballot.
The final result will be announced on Sept. 9.
With files from The Associated Press
