THERESA May has announced that she will be resigning as prime minister in an emotional address.

The Oxford University alumna will step down as Conservative leader on Friday, June 7.

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The following week will see the process to replace her begin, but she will remain as prime minister until her successor is chosen.  

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Mrs May - whose father was the vicar of Wheatley when she was a girl - had been widely expected to resign after coming under immense pressure from colleagues over the latest attempt to force her Brexit deal through Parliament. 

Becoming emotional on outside Downing Street this morning, she said: "I have done everything I can to convince MPs to back (her Brexit) deal. Sadly I have not been able to do so. 

"It will remain a matter of deep regret that I did not deliver Brexit."

She said it was clear to her that it was in the country's 'best interests' for a new leader to take over. 

Speaking about her legacy, Mrs May added that the job had been the 'honour of her life', adding that: "Together we have a great future."

The move will trigger a leadership election in the Tory party, which is expected to see a wide field of candidates battle it out until only two MPs remain. 

Those two are then put to the Conservative Party membership - believed to number around 120,000 - who will then decide the next prime minister.  

62-year-old Mrs May became prime minister in July 2016 and oversaw a disastrous snap general campaign which ended in her losing an inherited majority. 

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The former home secretary is likely to be remembered for her legacy on Brexit, which she repeatedly promised would be delivered on March 31 this year, but is yet to be completed. 

More to follow.