British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Friday she would quit, triggering a contest that will bring a new leader to power who is likely to push for a more decisive Brexit divorce deal.
May set out a timetable for her departure – she will resign as Conservative Party leader on June 7 with a leadership contest beginning the following week.
“I’VE DONE MY BEST, IT WASN’T GOOD ENOUGH”
May said she had done “everything I can” to gain support for her Brexit deal, but said it is now in the “best interests of the country for a new prime minister to lead that effort”.
“I will resign as leader of the Conservative and Unionist party on Friday, 7th June so that a successor can be chosen,” May said outside 10 Downing Street.
Theresa May resign, broke down in tears WATCH
With her voice breaking up with emotion, May, who endured crises and humiliation in her effort to find a compromise Brexit deal that parliament could ratify, said she bore no ill will.
“I will shortly leave the job that has been the honor of my life to hold,” May said. “The second female prime minister, but certainly not the last.”
“I do so with no ill will but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love,” May said.
