Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May resigned her premiership Friday after several failed attempts to secure an acceptable deal for Britain to withdraw from the European Union. Her last day is scheduled for June 7.
May announced her resignation in an emotional address while standing at a podium on Downing Street, saying she would quit her position as leader of the Conservative Party on June 7. She will stay on as a caretaker Prime Minister until her successor is chosen, which should be completed by the end of July.
May took over for Prime Minister David Cameron three years ago in 2016 after the nation voted to leave the European Union in a deal known as 'Brexit.'
"I tried three times. I believe it was right to persevere, even when the odds against success seemed high. But 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," May said.
"It is, and will always remain, a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit."
It will be up to May's successor on how Britain will leave the European Union which is now scheduled to occur on Oct. 31 after the E.U. granted an extension to the original leave date.
"I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honor of my life to hold -- the second female Prime Minister but certainly not the last," May said, her voice cracking during the emotional speech.
"I do so with no ill-will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love," she said. The Prime Minister walked away from the lectern and back into Number 10 Downing Street, wiping away tears.
May was forced to resign after she lost the support of her Cabinet, many of whom want a solution to the chaos Brexit has brought. The Cabinet was unimpressed with May's latest Brexit plan, which she unveiled on Tuesday. May had offered opposition lawmakers the chance to vote on a second referendum - something that was opposed by members of her government.
Party leaders threatened to change the rules to allow a second vote of no-confidence in May's rule as Prime Minister. May previously survived a challenge to her leadership in December last year and under current rules, was immune to another challenge for at least another year.
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