BRITISH Prime Minister Theresa May, in an emotional address today, announced that she will step down as Conservative leader on June 7 after failing to persuade MPs to support her Brexit deal.

“It is, and will always remain, a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit,” said May, her voice breaking with emotion, outside her Downing Street residence.

The resignation signals the formal start of a leadership contest during which May will remain as caretaker prime minister.

“I will resign as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party on Friday, June 7.

“The process for electing a new leadership should begin in the following week.”

The leadership race is expected to take several weeks. – AFP, May 24, 2019.