May to Resign: UK PM announces plan to step down amid Brexit chaos

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Europe

02:25

In a tearful statement on the steps of 10 Downing Street, UK Prime Minister set the date for her resignation. Theresa May says she has done her best to deliver Brexit, but admitted change is needed. She'll continue serving until a new leader is elected by Britain's ruling Conservative Party. Richard Bestic reports on what drove her out and where Brexit goes from here.

It seemed a long time coming, but after three failed attempts at pushing her Brexit Deal through Parliament, the UK Prime Minister finally conceded Mission Impossible.

THERESA MAY UK PRIME MINISTER "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."

THERESA MAY UK PRIME MINISTER "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. And now forced to tearfully accept defeat.

THERESA MAY UK PRIME MINISTER "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."

Former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is favorite to replace May. Parliamentary supporters of Brexit convinced he can talk tough to Brussels.

PETER BONE UK MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT "If Boris Johnson was Prime Minister, they know Boris Johnson would take us out on a 'No Deal' basis' and so they'd probably be much more willing to renegotiate."

RICHARD BESTIC LONDON "Parliament and members of the ruling Conservatives in the country now enter what could be a divisive six-week leadership battle. In the meantime, once again, Brexit has been parked and the chances of a 'No Deal' Brexit have just increased. RB CGTN London."