Embattled Theresa May says she will quit as the UK’s prime minister if MPs back the EU divorce deal with Brussels, Euronews reports.
She made the comments in a meeting with her own MPs on Wednesday afternoon, according to a statement from 10 Downing Street.
She said: “I have heard very clearly the mood of the parliamentary party. I know there is a desire for a new approach – and new leadership – in the second phase of the Brexit negotiations and I won’t stand in the way of that,” May said, according to a transcript released afterwards.
“I know some people are worried that if you vote for the withdrawal agreement, I will take that as a mandate to rush on into phase two without the debate we need to have. I won’t; I hear what you are saying. But we need to get the deal through and deliver Brexit.
“I am prepared to leave this job earlier than I intended in order to do what is right for our country and our party.”
In December, May had promised to step down before the next general election, which is currently set for 2022 but can be brought forward, following a failed Vote of No Confidence in her as Conservative leader.