The prime minister during the Brexit referendum, held in June 2016, was David Cameron. Serving as the leader of the Conservative Party, Cameron promised the referendum as a means to settle the issue of the United Kingdom's membership in the European Union. The referendum's outcome, with a majority voting to leave the EU, led to significant political and economic ramifications, influencing Cameron's decision to resign from office shortly thereafter. The Brexit debate continues to shape UK politics and its relationship with Europe and the world at large.