THERESA May's turbulent leadership of the Conservative Party will end on June 7, paving the way for a new Prime Minister to lead the Brexit process.

During a tearful speech she said she had 'done her best' to get her Withdrawal Agreement through Parliament and take the UK out of the European Union but acknowledged she had failed.

"It is and will always remain a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit," she said in Downing Street.

Watched by husband Philip and her closest aides, an emotional Mrs May said it was in the "best interests of the country for a new prime minister to lead that effort".

Announcing her departure from a job she loved, Mrs May said: "I am today announcing that I will resign as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party on Friday 7th June so that a successor can be chosen."

Concluding her resignation statement, Mrs May broke down as she said it had been "the honour of my life" to serve "the country that I love".

Earlier, in a sign that the leadership race to replace Mrs May is already under way, Helen Grant quit as Conservative vice chair for communities to "actively and openly" support Dominic Raab.

She quit her Tory party role to avoid any "perception of a conflict" between Mr Raab's campaign and Conservative HQ".

Ms Grant said the former Brexit secretary "has an inspiring vision for a fairer Britain and I think he is undoubtedly the best person to unite the Conservative Party and our country".

Northwich Guardian:

Pic credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

More of Theresa May's speech outside Downing Street

"Ever since I first stepped through the door behind me as PM I have striven to make the UK work not just for a privileged few but for everyone and to honour the result of the referendum.

"I negotiated the terms of our exit.

"I have done everything I can to convince MPs to back that deal.

"Sadly I have not been able to do so.

"It is now clear to me that it is in the best interest of the UK for a new PM to lead that effort.

"I am today announcing that I will resign as Conservative leader on Friday 7 June.

"I have agreed with the party chairman that the process for electing a new leader will begin in the following week.

"It is a matter of deep regret that I have not been able to deliver Brexit.

"My successor will have to find a consensus.

"Consensus will only be possible if those on both sides of the debate 'compromise'.

"I am proud of the progress we have made over the last few years," Mrs May says.

"We have helped more people than ever secure a job.

"I know that the Conservative Party can renew itself in the years ahead.

"I know that we can deliver Brexit."