Theresa May’s turbulent time as head of the Conservative Party will end on 7 June, clearing the way for a new prime minister to lead the Brexit process.
An emotional Mrs May said she had “done my best” to get her Withdrawal Agreement through Parliament and take the UK out of the European Union but acknowledged she failed.
“It is and will always remain a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit,” she said in Downing Street.
Watched by husband Philip and her closest aides, Mrs May said it was in the “best interests of the country for a new prime minister to lead that effort”.
Announcing her departure, Mrs May said: “I am today announcing that I will resign as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party on Friday 7th June so that a successor can be chosen.”
Concluding her resignation statement, Mrs May broke down as she said it had been “the honour of my life” to serve “the country that I love”.
Resignation Reactions: ‘Dignified’, ‘Dedicated’
Leader of the Opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, tweeted that Mrs May “is right to resign”.
Theresa May is right to resign. She's now accepted what the country's known for months: she can't govern, and nor can her divided and disintegrating party.
Whoever becomes the new Tory leader must let the people decide our country’s future, through an immediate General Election.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 24, 2019
Former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who is among those lining up to replace Mrs May, thanked the Prime Minister “for your stoical service to our country and the Conservative Party”.
A very dignified statement from @theresa_may. Thank you for your stoical service to our country and the Conservative Party. It is now time to follow her urgings: to come together and deliver Brexit.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 24, 2019
Meanwhile former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, another party leader hopeful, said Mrs May “remains a dedicated public servant, patriot and loyal Conservative”.
Dignified as ever, @theresa_may showed her integrity. She remains a dedicated public servant, patriot and loyal Conservative. https://t.co/2YjBp0x8HM
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) May 24, 2019
‘Impossible Job’
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan tweeted, ‘Theresa May’s job was made impossible by Brexit extremists in the Conservative Party’. He added that, ‘Parliament should revoke Article 50 & give the British public the final say on Brexit’.
Theresa May's job was made impossible by Brexit extremists in the Conservative Party. It's totally unacceptable for Britain’s future to be decided by these same people – people deserve better.
Parliament should revoke Article 50 & give the British public the final say on Brexit. pic.twitter.com/M5GohF8FG2
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) May 24, 2019
This is a developing story, we will bring you more details as they come. Please refresh the page to update.
Follow CityNewsBreak on to receive breaking news alerts.
