The British Prime Minister has announced her resignation. Theresa May plans to leave her post June 7.
She faced growing backlash for months, even from members of her own party, over her latest Brexit plan. CGTN’s Richard Bestic reported from London.
It seemed a long time coming but after three failed attempts at pushing her Brexit deal through parliament, U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May finally conceded “Mission Impossible. “
“It is in the best interests of the country for a new prime minister to lead that effort,” May declared. “It is and will always remain a matter of deep regret to me that I wasn’t able to deliver Brexit. It will be for my successor to seek a way forward that honors the referendum.”
May spent years back and forth to Brussels negotiating her Brexit Deal. When she finally brought it home, her agreement provoked howls of protest from all sides of the parliamentary political divide.
Now, she was forced to tearfully accept defeat. “I do so with no ill will but with enormous and enduring gratitude that I have had the opportunity to serve the country that I love,” May said as she concluded her speech.
Former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson was the favorite to replace May. Parliamentary supporters of Brexit were convinced he can talk tough to Brussels. “They know Boris Johnson would take us out on a ‘No Deal’ basis and so they’d probably be much more willing to renegotiate,” British MP Peter Bone said.
Parliament and members of the ruling Conservatives in the country entered what could be a divisive six week leadership battle. In the meantime, once again, Brexit had been parked and the chances of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit may have been increased.
Theresa May’s rise – and fall – as prime minister
Theresa May’s time as Prime Minister has been anything but smooth. CGTN’s Hannah Hoexter looks back at her tenure.
Sean O’Grady discusses Theresa May’s resignation
Sean O’Grady, associate editor for the Independent, discusses Theresa May’s resignation with CGTN’s Asieh Namdar.