After weeks of speculation, false rumours and a growing amount of criticism from Parliament and the public alike, Theresa May has resigned.
In an emotional speech delivered outside Number 10 on Friday morning, the embattled prime minister announced that she will step down as leader of the Conservative party on Friday June 7th.
Speaking to the assembled press, she said that she has done her best to get MPs to back her Brexit deal, but added that regretfully she hasn't been able to win their support:
I have done everything I can to convince MPs to back that deal ... sadly I have not been able to do so.
She added:
Our politics may be under strain but there is so much that is good about this country. So much to be proud of. So much to be optimistic about.
May also said that it had been the 'honour of her life' to be the
second female prime minister, but certainly not the last'.
Her voice cracking with emotion, she added that it has been an honour to have the opportunity to serve the country she loves.
Needless to say, the world was quick to react to the news of her resignation, with people sharing their thought on social media.
Somewhat unkindly, the hashtag #Trexit began to trend.
It's the fields of wheat I feel sorry for in all this #Trexit— Michael Hogan (@Michael Hogan) 1558689845
For the record, I fundamentally dislike Theresa May. I think she's a morally sub-par human being, but anyone critic… https://t.co/pjTlWI5n3t— Femi (@Femi) 1558689487
Prime Minister Theresa May announces her departure date #Trexit #EndOfMay https://t.co/qW38ThHV1P— Poultry Motion (@Poultry Motion) 1558690096
Others began thinking about who would replace May as leader of the Conservative party.
Theresa May quits The leadership race begins: Guy who makes you want to die: 13/8 Dude you literally don't recogni… https://t.co/ysSkn2oQoH— Sathnam Sanghera (@Sathnam Sanghera) 1558690196
The whole thing was somewhat,anticlimactic, really, wasn't it.
This is oddly anticlimactic. Theresa May a bit like that jarring friend you have who turns up uninvited everywhere… https://t.co/QKKjGcXThy— Esther Webber (@Esther Webber) 1558690328
Conservatives offered their condolences.
.@theresa_may has acted with dignity and honour in pursuit of what she believes to be in the national interest, the… https://t.co/VT8cTQw3mm— Dr Liam Fox MP (@Dr Liam Fox MP) 1558689132
A very dignified speech by @theresa_may. An illustration of her total commitment to country and duty. She did her… https://t.co/5xxgs9j6RA— Andrea Leadsom MP (@Andrea Leadsom MP) 1558689923
Dignified as ever, @theresa_may showed her integrity. She remains a dedicated public servant, patriot and loyal Con… https://t.co/7Lm4ccWlyp— Dominic Raab (@Dominic Raab) 1558690316
The Prime Minister has shown great courage. She is a public servant who did all she could to bring Brexit to a res… https://t.co/P9v1vs4qSe— Amber Rudd (@Amber Rudd) 1558689340
Including Boris...
A very dignified statement from @theresa_may. Thank you for your stoical service to our country and the Conservativ… https://t.co/rt5ThBzZfK— Boris Johnson (@Boris Johnson) 1558690811
And Michael Gove...
A moving speech from a Prime Minister who deserves our respect and gratitude. Thank you @theresa_may— Michael Gove (@Michael Gove) 1558690133
While members of other political parties were somewhat less forgiving.
Oh @theresa_may , why didn’t we see that emotion more? Things could have been so different....— Heidi Allen (@Heidi Allen) 1558689221
So farewell then Theresa May. I’m sure it’s been a difficult job but I feel no sympathy for her. At every stage she… https://t.co/TnL5LmcMvA— Tommy Sheppard MP (@Tommy Sheppard MP) 1558690824
Theresa May will go down as one of the worst Prime Ministers in British history. She leaves our country more divide… https://t.co/IJKTtxwzc2— Luke Pollard MP (@Luke Pollard MP) 1558690703
Nicola Sturgeon wished the outgoing prime minister well.
1. I wish Theresa May well. She and I had profound disagreements - not least on her handling of Brexit and her disr… https://t.co/R6QSj43xJa— Nicola Sturgeon (@Nicola Sturgeon) 1558689663
2. Her departure will not solve the Brexit mess that the Tories have created. Only putting the matter back to the p… https://t.co/udYJL5Imjw— Nicola Sturgeon (@Nicola Sturgeon) 1558689698
3. The prospect of an even more hardline Brexiteer now becoming PM and threatening a no deal exit is deeply concern… https://t.co/lfJQWk7VcK— Nicola Sturgeon (@Nicola Sturgeon) 1558689861
Jeremy Corbyn was in agreement that she'd made the right decision.
Theresa May is right to resign. She's now accepted what the country's known for months: she can't govern, and nor c… https://t.co/H64adpEFNV— Jeremy Corbyn (@Jeremy Corbyn) 1558691552
It's slightly scary to think of what's coming next though, isn't it.
I'm not sorry that Theresa May is resigning, but I'm fucking terrified about what comes next. https://t.co/fdwImWKoFo— Chris Rankin (@Chris Rankin) 1558690274
THERESA MAY QUITS *national celebrations" ANOTHER TORY MUST TAKE HER PLACE *national fear*— TechnicallyRon (@TechnicallyRon) 1558689564
When Theresa May resigns but Boris Johnson is on his way up.... https://t.co/UCM1XA6cCZ— CEO of Yelling (@CEO of Yelling) 1558689841
Ouch, the 37th member of Theresa May's government is toast.
I make that the 37th member of Theresa May's government to resign. I really don't see how she survives this one.— Tom Peck (@Tom Peck) 1558689760
Many were harsh in their judgement.
Downing Street publishes full list of Theresa May’s achievements in office. https://t.co/m02F0cez4I— David Schneider (@David Schneider) 1558690508
However, some emphasised that she had an 'impossible job'.
Whether you like her or not the truth is, Theresa May had an impossible job trying to deliver the impossible: a dea… https://t.co/vJ9MYLKvFw— Gary Lineker 💙 (@Gary Lineker 💙) 1558690392
Oh well, bye bye Theresa.
HT The Guardian
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