rime Minister David Cameron announced on Monday afternoon that he intended to resign by Wednesday evening, paving the way for the home secretary to take over much earlier than initially expected.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Cameron said he was "delighted" that May was going to be his successor and lauded her as a "strong" politician.

Conservative Party official Graham Brady confirmed earlier in the day that he was set to formally appoint May as the party's new leader after her only challenger, Andrea Leadsom, pulled out of the race.

Speaking at Westminster shortly after 1730 p.m today, May said: "I am honoured and humbled to have been chosen by the Conservative Party to become its leader.