Widget not in any sidebars
In a teary speech at 10 Downing Street, Theresa May announced that she will resign as prime minister. Her resignation process is due to commence on the 7th of June when she steps down from her role as the leader of the Conservative & Unionist Party.
The prime minister commenced her speech by defending her record in office by claiming she had “striven to make the United Kingdom a country that works not just for a privileged few, but for everyone”. The prime minister outlined examples of policies that sought to create a better society. Mrs May reminded the public about the increased funding for mental health support, better support for survivors of domestic violence and having set up an inquiry into the Grenfell fire tragedy.
Mrs May also defended her attempts of wanting to implement Brexit – the prime minister reminded the public that she brought her unsuccessful Withdrawal Agreement before Westminster Parliament on three separate occasions.
In spite of these repetitive attempts, Theresa May admitted that she is not the right person to conclude the efforts of implementing Brexit. Mrs May said: “it is now clear to me that it is in the best interests of the country for a new prime minister to lead that effort”.
While Theresa May resigns from the her party’s leadership on the 7th of June, she will remain prime minister until a new party leader is chosen.
Reaction to Resignation
Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour Party and of the Official Opposition, has welcomed the prime minister’s resignation. In a tweet, he expressed his approval of the resignation announcement. Mr Corbyn has also called on the next “Tory leader” to call an “immediate General Election”.
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson, a prospective contender of the Conservative leadership contest, also welcomed the news of the resignation by describing it as “dignified”. He also agreed with the prime minister’s request “to come together and deliver Brexit”.
Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland and the SNP leader, utilised the Westminster chaos to emphasis the need for Scottish independence. The First Minister also expressed her dread at the prospect of Boris Johnson becoming prime minister. Mrs Sturgeon also tweeted that the chance of no-deal would increase under a Johnson-premiership.
