Theresa May steps down as Conservative leader

On the heels of a state visit by US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Theresa May will resign today as leader of the Conservative Party.

Though she will no longer head her party, May has vowed to remain in office as PM until a successor who has the confidence of the Commons can be picked. The new PM is expected to be appointed by late July.

Currently, 13 Conservatives have announced their intentions to replace May as PM. Outspoken Brexit hardliner and former London Mayor Boris Johnson is the heavy favourite, having already drawn the approval of President Trump.

A PM such as Johnson would likely try to shore up support from the Democratic Unionist Party, the right-wing, pro-Brexit group that has taken a hard-line stance against any special status for Northern Ireland in Brexit proceedings, a key sticking point thus far in negotiations. However, a number of Tories have vowed to defect if a hard-Brexiteer is appointed. Such an outcome might see the opposition Labour Party call for a no-confidence vote, possibly sparking new general elections, which could unseat the ruling Conservatives.

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