British PM Theresa May steps down, leaving fate of Brexit uncertain

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Wikimedia Commons - Garry Knight

Protestors hold anti-May signs at a rally in 2017 in London’s Parliament Square. May has been shielding criticism for her adamant push for Brexit over the past three years.

by Arushi Saxena, Global Editor

British Prime Minister Theresa May announced her resignation as leader on Friday, citing her failure to deliver Brexit. Standing outside of No. 10 Downing Street in London, May announced that she will resign on June 7, allowing the Conservative Party to choose a new leader who will resume her position at that date.

On March 29, May agreed to quit if the Brexit Deal passed in the U.K. Parliament. Facing rebellion over her persistent push for Brexit over the course of the last three years, May stepped down before the cabinet called for another vote and acknowledged her failed attempts to lead Britain through the deal.

“Against all predictions, the British people voted to leave the European Union. I feel as certain today as I did three years ago that in a democracy, if you give people a choice you have a duty to implement what they decide,” May said.

While May remains in the government as an overseer, she will continue as a member of Parliament after stepping down as Prime Minister. The situation with the Brexit deal is still uncertain, with Britain’s date to leave the European Union still set for October 2019.

As May came to the end of her speech, she left the crowd with parting words.

“I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honor of my life to hold — the second female prime minister but certainly not the last. I do so with no ill will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love,” May said.