
Theresa May repeatedly broke down in tears today as she admitted her Brexit-wracked premiership is coming to an end - first on live TV and then behind closed doors.

Watched by husband Philip, the Prime Minister was overcome by emotion on the steps of Downing Street as she conceded that her desperate struggle to get the UK out of the EU will end in failure.

'I've done my best,' she said. 'I have done everything I can to convince MPs to back that deal ... sadly I have not been able to do so.

'It is and will always remain a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit.'

Mrs May was almost unable to continue as she voiced her pride at having served the country. She declared she will resign as Conservative leader on June 7, triggering a contest that should be complete by the end of July.

And there were more tears when she went back inside No10, as she paid tribute to her 'rock' husband during an address thanking her staff and advisers. MailOnline understands Mrs May welled up when she said of her time in office, 'it's been a journey'.

The dramatic scenes came after Mrs May's last-ditch effort to get her EU deal through the Commons backfired spectacularly. Tories were up in arms and the Cabinet mounted an open revolt after she offered MPs a vote on holding a second referendum and joining a temporary customs union with the EU.

The PM humiliatingly pulled her Withdrawal Agreement Bill - known as WAB - yesterday after accepting the reality of her demise.

Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the powerful Tory 1922 committee, met her in No10 this morning. He had been instructed by Tory backbenchers to enforce an exit date if Mrs May refused to volunteer one, with MPs threatening to change party rules to allow a fresh no-confidence vote.

Jeremy Corbyn immediately seized on the news to demand a general election, saying the Conservatives were 'divided and disintegrating'.

Boris Johnson also kicked off the Tory leadership battle by declaring that the UK should leave the EU on October 31 'deal or no deal' - while Jeremy Hunt confirmed today that he will be a candidate.

But despite the brutal assault on her position from her own side, there was an outpouring of sympathy today after Mrs May finally fell on her sword.

Mr Johnson paid tribute to her 'stoical service to our country', urging politicians to 'follow her urgings' by 'coming together to deliver Brexit'.

Andrea Leadsom, whose resignation as Commons Leader put the final nail in Mrs May's political coffin, tweeted: 'A very dignified speech by @theresa_may. An illustration of her total commitment to country and duty. She did her utmost, and I wish her all the very best.'

David Cameron also weighed in, describing it as a 'strong and brave speech'.

Mrs May was overcome by tears as she spoke of her pride at having been PM, even though she admitted to having failed to deliver Brexit

The Prime Minister announced her departure in an emotional statement on the steps of Downing Street today

Her voice cracking, Mrs May said it had been the 'honour of my life' to be PM, and she hoped she would not be the last woman to lead the country

The premier walked back through the famous black door as the country digested the impending end of her premiership

Philip May (pictured centre) looked as though he was suppressing an urge to comfort his wife as she made her speech. After her notorious coughing conference speech in 2017 he leapt on stage to embrace her at the end

The Mays left Downing Street via the back door after she made her dramatic departure announcement today

Last night the PM chose to stay at her constituency home in Berkshire mulling her exit strategy with her husband Philip - who was yesterday urged by Brexiteers to tell his wife her time is up. However, she is thought to have made up her mind up to quit earlier this week.

WHAT ARE THE KEY DATES FOR BREXIT NOW - AND CAN A NEW DEAL BE AGREED BY OCTOBER 31? There might be five months left until the next deadline for the UK to leave the EU, but in fact time is short to prepare the ground for it to happen. The new Tory leader is unlikely to be in place before the end of July. And then they will have just two months - including August, when much of the continent downs tools - to overhaul the Brexit deal Theresa May thrashed out with Brussels. Success in this process would still mean a frantic race against time to pass legislation through Parliament in October. Here are the key dates in the process: June 7 - Theresa May formally steps down June 10 - Tory leadership contest begins The battle to succeed Mrs May as Tory leader should formally kick off early in June. Nominations to stand will close in the week beginning June 10 before it is put to several rounds of votes. The final two candidates are then offered to the Tory membership at large for an election. It could take two to six weeks for MPs to whittle down the leadership contenders From 24 June - Top Two Tory candidates are offered to Tory members Once Tory MPs have whittled the leadership contenders down to the top two in a series of votes - the lucky two will be be put to a vote by Conservative Party members. July 26 - New Tory leader selected and becomes PM The Tory party hierarchy has said it wants a new Tory party leader to be selected by the Parliamentary recess - which is likely to be on July 26. The new leader will become Prime Minister and form a government.

September 29-October 2 - Conservative Party conference The Tory gathering in Manchester this autumn will be the natural time for a new leader to take the stage and try to unite the fractured party. Assuming no way has been found to force a Withdrawal Agreement through Parliament by this point, they will need to spell out how they intend to approach the Brexit process. October 31 - Britain leaves the EU? The Brexit extension Mrs May thrashed out with the EU expires on October 31. Unless another postponement can be agreed, the UK is still scheduled to leave the bloc at this point. Advertisement

Mrs May returned to Downing Street just before 9am, where she met her closest aides, including chief of staff Gavin Barwell director of communications Robbie Gibb, and political secretary Stephen Parkison.

They went through the text of her momentous statement - which was drafted by her young speechwriter Keelan Carr, who wrote the well-received address to Tory conference last year.

Aides said Mrs May showed few nerves before stepping out to deliver the words. 'She tends not to show nerves,' one told MailOnline. 'She has been doing this for a very long time, she is a pro.'

Mrs May said it had been the 'honour of my life' to be PM, and she hoped she would not be the last woman to lead the country.

In a parting shot at the bitter Brexit divisions that have blighted her time in office, she urged MPs from all parties to remember that 'compromise is not a dirty word'.

Having delivered her painful message, she then hurried back through the famous black No10 doors and was immediately whisked away via the back exit.

After she had done the deed, Mrs May was clapped back into No10 by staff who had gathered in the entrance hall.

She was heard expressing regret that she had been overcome by emotion. But one aide said the show of tears should be 'one in the eye for the Maybot reputation'. 'It has always been a nonsense,' the source told MailOnline.

Mrs May then made a speech to a room of special advisers, thanking them for their hard work over the past few years. And she paid tribute in particular to her 'rock' Philip May.

An aide who was there said: 'She held it together quite well but at the end when she was thanking Philip she was a bit tearful.'

Philip May could be seen watching from the shadows (far left) as his wife delivered her parting message from Downing St

Mrs May walked out into Downing Street to draw a line under her time in office after meeting Tory chief Sir Graham Brady

the country. And she urged warring MPs from all parties to remember that 'compromise is not a dirty word'. The dramatic move comes after Mrs May's last-ditch effort to get her EU deal through the Commons backfired spectacularly

Despite the brutal assault on her position, there was an outpouring of sympathy today after she finally fell on her sword

Boris Johnson quickly paid tribute to Mrs May's 'stoical service to our country' after her speech - despite spending recent months trying to oust her

Jeremy Corbyn immediately seized on the news to demand a general election, saying the Conservatives were 'divided and disintegrating'

This morning's bombshell development, which plunges the future of Brexit into further doubt, came as:

An exclusive Mail poll showed that Boris Johnson has raced into a big early lead in the battle to succeed Mrs May, and that Nigel Farage's Brexit Party is on course for a landslide victory when the results of yesterday's European Parliament elections are declared on Sunday night;

But another YouGov poll underlined how divisive Mr Johnson is, finding he is both the most supported candidate on 28 per cent and the most disliked on 28 per cent;

Former chancellor Ken Clarke suggested the majority of Tory MPs did not support their own party in the European election.

Former defence secretary Gavin Williamson and rising Tory star Johnny Mercer both announced they would be backing Mr Johnson's campaign for the Tory crown;

Tory vice-chair Helen Grant quit before Mrs May confirmed her resignation, saying she wants to support a candidate in the leadership contest;

It has emerged Mrs May could use the dying days of her premiership to try to pass less controversial elements of the Withdrawal Agreement - potentially reducing the task for her successor;

May urges MPs to heed 'UK's Schindler' and compromise Theresa May recalled advice from the late Sir Nicholas Winton (pictured) in her speech Theresa May recalled advice from the late Sir Nicholas Winton, hailed as 'Britain's Schindler' after saving hundreds of children from Nazi tyranny, as she set out the timetable for her departure. The Prime Minister said the humanitarian had been a constituent of hers in Maidenhead for many years, and once told her that compromise is 'not a dirty word'. 'He was right,' said Mrs May, speaking outside Number 10. Sir Nicholas organised the rescue of 669 Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia on the eve of the Second World War before helping them to begin new lives in Britain. The London-born stockbroker founded the Kindertransport following a visit to Prague at the end of 1938, during which he felt compelled to help save children there from almost certain death. His bravery was only made known to the public half a century later, when his family happened upon an old briefcase in the attic containing lists of children and letters from their parents. Sir Nicholas died in 2015, aged 106, and Mrs May, then the home secretary, was among political dignitaries who celebrated his life at a memorial service the year after. Advertisement

Downing Street dismissed reports that the political turbulence could lead to the cancellation of Donald Trump's visit.

Mrs May's decision to announce her plans to step aside came after senior Cabinet ministers warned her they were on the brink of withdrawing their support over her decision to open the door to a second Brexit referendum in a last-ditch bid to get her deal approved by MPs.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt told Mrs May to abandon plans to put her Withdrawal Agreement Bill to a vote by MPs next month.

Mr Hunt, one of more than a dozen Tory MPs hoping to succeed her, said it was not fair to ask loyal MPs to vote for a toxic compromise that had no chance of succeeding.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid, another potential leadership candidate, warned her he could not back the legislation unless she dropped the option of a second referendum.

Their interventions followed the resignation of Commons leader Andrea Leadsom, who quit on Wednesday night in protest at the scale of the concessions to Labour.

Sir Graham arrived for today's meeting armed with the results of a secret ballot of senior Tories which is thought to authorise him to call an immediate vote of no confidence in her leadership if she refuses to go.

Mrs May told MPs on Wednesday that her 'new deal' Brexit – which was designed to win over Labour MPs – would be published today and voted on in the week beginning June 3.

But the move was dropped after Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay, who would have to oversee the legislation, said he could not support it in its current form.

In her speech, Mrs May recalled advice from the late Sir Nicholas Winton, hailed as 'Britain's Schindler' after saving hundreds of children from Nazi tyranny, as she set out the timetable for her departure.

The Prime Minister said the humanitarian had been a constituent of hers in Maidenhead for many years, and once told her that compromise is 'not a dirty word'.

'He was right,' said Mrs May, speaking outside Number 10.

Sir Nicholas organised the rescue of 669 Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia on the eve of the Second World War before helping them to begin new lives in Britain.

'I did my best': Theresa's emotional speech on the steps of Downing Street Back in 2016, we gave the British people a choice. 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. I have done my best to do that. I negotiated the terms of our exit and a new relationship with our closest neighbours that protects jobs, our security and our Union. I have done everything I can to convince MPs to back that deal. Sadly, I have not been able to do so. I tried three times. 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. So I am today announcing that I will resign as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party on Friday 7 June so that a successor can be chosen... It is, and will always remain, a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit. It will be for my successor to seek a way forward that honours the result of the referendum. To succeed, he or she will have to find consensus in Parliament where I have not. Such a consensus can only be reached if those on all sides of the debate are willing to compromise. For many years the great humanitarian Sir Nicholas Winton – who saved the lives of hundreds of children by arranging their evacuation from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia through the Kindertransport – was my constituent in Maidenhead. At another time of political controversy, a few years before his death, he took me to one side at a local event and gave me a piece of advice. He said, 'Never forget that compromise is not a dirty word. Life depends on compromise.' He was right. As we strive to find the compromises we need in our politics – whether to deliver Brexit, or to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland – we must remember what brought us here. Because the referendum was not just a call to leave the EU but for profound change in our country. A call to make the United Kingdom a country that truly works for everyone. I am proud of the progress we have made over the last three years... Our politics may be under strain, but there is so much that is good about this country. So much to be proud of. So much to be optimistic about. I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honour 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. Advertisement

The London-born stockbroker founded the Kindertransport following a visit to Prague at the end of 1938, during which he felt compelled to help save children there from almost certain death.

His bravery was only made known to the public half a century later, when his family happened upon an old briefcase in the attic containing lists of children and letters from their parents.

Sir Nicholas died in 2015, aged 106, and Mrs May, then the home secretary, was among political dignitaries who celebrated his life at a memorial service the year after.

Prominent Tory Brexiteer Steve Baker, who strongly opposed the PM's Brexit deal and is considering a run for the top job, tweeted: 'Very dignified statement from Theresa May, beginning to set out the many things which she has achieved in office. This is a sad but necessary day.'

Environment Secretary Michael Gove tweeted: 'A moving speech from a Prime Minister who deserves our respect and gratitude. Thank you @theresa_may.'

Brexit Party Leader Nigel Farage tweeted: 'It is difficult not to feel for Mrs May, but politically she misjudged the mood of the country and her party. Two Tory leaders have now gone whose instincts were pro-EU. Either the party learns that lesson or it dies.'

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: 'That Boris Johnson as PM is a serious proposition is proof that the Tories have taken leave of their senses. 'Nothing - apart from Brexit obvs - has done more to trash the UK's global reputation in last three years than his risible tenure as Foreign Secretary.'

Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson said: 'The Prime Minister has always put country before party and, by announcing her resignation and setting out a plan for an orderly departure, she has shown that commitment again today.'

Former PM David Cameron alluded to his own resignation as he paid tribute to the spirit of 'duty and service' which had driven her time in office.

'Theresa is right that compromise is not a dirty word and she should be thanked for her tireless efforts on behalf of the country,' he said in a statement.

'I know how painful it is to accept that your time is up and a new leader is required. She has made the right decision - and I hope that the spirit of compromise is continued.'

Three years ago Mr Cameron himself emerged onto the steps of No10 to declare the country needed 'fresh leadership' after dramatically voting to leave the EU.

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker 'followed Prime Minister May's announcement this morning without personal joy', a spokesman said.

Deputy chief spokeswoman Mina Andreeva added: 'The president very much liked and appreciated working with Prime Minister May, and has said before Theresa May is a woman of courage for whom he has great respect.

'He will equally respect and establish working relations with any new prime minister, whomever they may be, without stopping his conversations with Prime Minister May.

Archbishop: Sense of duty ‘never wavered’ The Archbishop of Canterbury praised Theresa May’s ‘sense of public duty that never wavered’ yesterday. Justin Welby also asked for the nation to ‘pause and pray’ for the PM and her husband, both of whom are regular church-goers. The Archbishop tweeted: ‘During the last three years of leading our nation through times of profound change and uncertainty, Theresa May has shown determination, resilience and a sense of public duty that has never wavered. ‘That is a service to us all that deserves our admiration and gratitude. ‘As Mrs May prepares to stand down from office over the coming months, this is a moment to pause and pray for her and her husband, Philip, whose support has been unwavering, and for all those around them working to ensure a smooth transition into new leadership. ‘Every day in churches across the country, we pray for our political leaders. We pray that they be guided and strengthened in wise leadership that strives for the common good. ‘We pray too for their protection, safety and wellbeing in the roles they take on for the benefit of our communities and our nation. ‘In these critical times, people of faith should commit to pray for all those who lead, all those who are led, and work together with all of goodwill.’ Advertisement

'Our position on the Withdrawal Agreement has been set out by my colleague yesterday. There is no change to that.

'We have set out our position on the Withdrawal Agreement and on the political declaration.

'The European Commission and the Article 50 format has set out its position and we remain available for anyone who will be the new prime minister.'

Former Brexit secretary David Davis has said the next prime minister should go back to Brussels to persuade them to drop the Northern Ireland backstop.

'I think they will be willing to talk to us,' he told BBC Radio 4's The World at One.

'They are all very concerned about the impact on the European economy of a no-deal.

'If we go back, I think we have got a decent chance of negotiating but we have also got to be ready to undertake no deal if it is absolutely forced on us.'

The Mail revealed yesterday that Mrs May had accepted her time was up and was ready to announce plans for a 'dignified' departure.

Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said if Mrs May refused to heed the message from her MPs and Cabinet it was up to her husband to tell her that her time was up.

He told Talk Radio: 'The person closest to her is clearly her husband, and I think somebody has to say look, nobody likes this... Politics is a nasty, sometimes brutal, ghastly business.

The meaning behind the message and her emotional resignation speech... Analysis by Jack Doyle for The Daily Mail Analysis: Mrs May is defending her good intentions and effort, while acknowledging she has failed and that Brexit has destroyed her premiership. She repeatedly defends trying to get the deal she negotiated – and believes in – passed by MPs. What she said: ‘It will be for my successor to seek a way forward that honours the result of the referendum. To succeed, he or she will have to find consensus in Parliament where I have not. Such a consensus can only be reached if those on all sides of the debate are willing to compromise.’ Analysis: This is a clear rebuke both to the 30 Tory diehards who refused to back her deal, and to Jeremy Corbyn and Labour for refusing to agree to a compromise. It’s also a warning to whoever succeeds her about the grim situation they inherit. What she said: ‘The referendum was not just a call to leave the EU but for profound change in our country. A call to make the United Kingdom a country that truly works for everyone. I am proud of the progress we have made over the last three years.’ Analysis: Mrs May is arguing she has achieved a great deal in No 10. Effectively clearing the deficit, ending austerity, an enviable jobs record, a massive cash injection into the NHS and huge progress on protecting the environment – particularly on plastics. The tragedy is that Brexit overshadowed all her successes, which were not inconsiderable. What she said: ‘This is what a decent, moderate and patriotic Conservative government, on the common ground of British politics, can achieve – even as we tackle the biggest peacetime challenge any government has faced. The unique privilege of this office is to use this platform to give a voice to the voiceless, to fight the burning injustices that still scar our society. Analysis: Entering No 10 three years ago, Mrs May pledges to fight ‘burning injustices’ in society. Here she lists her proudest achievements: mental health funding, domestic abuse, an audit of racial discrimination and gender pay gap reporting. She urges her successor not just to focus on traditional Tory values – such as security, freedom, opportunity – but to continue to battle for the underprivileged. What she said: ‘Our politics may be under strain, but there is so much that is good about this country. So much to be proud of and optimistic about. I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honour 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.’ Analysis: Her voice cracking, Mrs May displayed – finally – the emotion her critics accused her of lacking. She is proud of being a female PM in a male-dominated Westminster and of serving her country. She did her duty even though it ended painfully. What a contrast with David Cameron’s flippant whistle as he left No 10 in 2016. Advertisement

Environment Secretary Michael Gove and Andrea Leadsom, who quit as Commons leader on Wednesday night, were among those paying tribute to Mrs May

Mrs May's face crumpled at the end of her speech outside No10 today, admitting that she will not be the PM to secure Brexit

Mrs May apparently made up her mind to quit earlier this week, but did not deliver the news until after European elections

Government Chief Whip Julian Smith arrives at No 10 Downing Street, where the PM has announced her resignation after just three years, and was followed in by May's chief of staff Gavin Barwell

Mrs May's director of communications, Robbie Gibb, managed a smile for waiting reporters as he arrived at No10 today

Prime Minister Theresa May returned to Downing Street by the back entrance earlier as she prepared to quit after an ill-fated three years in power

'But the reality is that she has no confidence any longer, not just in her party but in the Cabinet as well. So the best thing for her and the best thing for everybody else is to break away and say it's time to find a new leader.'

Allies of Mrs May last night dismissed suggestions that she had been forced out by the line of ministers beating a path to her door.

Make me Tory leader and we'll be out the EU on October 31 - deal or NO DEAL, says Boris Boris Johnson today vowed to take the UK out of the EU at all costs - as the Tory leadership contest exploded into the open. The former foreign secretary said Brexit must happen by October 31 'deal or no deal' as he made a high-octane pitch for 10 Downing Street. 'We will leave the EU on October 31, deal or no deal,' Mr Johnson told an economic conference in Switzerland this afternoon. 'The way to get a good deal is to prepare for a no deal,' Advertisement

One said: 'It is funny – and slightly pathetic – to see Sajid and Jeremy suddenly saying the deal is unacceptable after sitting through the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that approved it. Leadsom stole a march on them – they are scrabbling to catch up.'

It comes as a Survation poll for the Daily Mail shows Mr Farage's Brexit Party well ahead in the European elections on 31 per cent, trailed by Labour on 23, the Conservatives on 14 and the Lib Dems on 12.

Nearly seven out of ten Tory voters said the reason they did not intend to vote for Mrs May yesterday was because of her failure to deliver Brexit. Calls for her to step down were backed by 57 per cent of Conservatives with 25 per cent against.

With the Tory leadership contest about to begin, most of the party's supporters appear to have already decided that former Foreign Secretary Johnson is the best person to revive their dismal ratings and sort out the Brexit chaos.

A total of 36 per cent of Conservatives said he should be next leader, with Home Secretary Sajid Javid a distant second on nine per cent, followed by Environment Secretary Michael Gove on seven and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on five.

The highest placed women candidates are Andrea Leadsom, who resigned from the Cabinet on Wednesday, and fellow Brexiteer, former TV presenter Esther McVey.

Both are on three per cent. Mr Johnson has almost as big a lead over his Conservative rivals among voters as a whole. With the Tories expected to choose a new leader by the end of July, his fellow leadership contenders will have their work cut out to close the gap.

Pound rises against the US dollar after May's resignation news The pound is shown against the dollar over the past 24 hours. It can be seen rising against the dollar after Theresa May's announcement this morning at about 10am The pound rose slightly against the dollar this morning after Theresa May announced she will step down as Prime Minister next month. Sterling went up to $1.2710 shortly after her announcement at Downing Street in London, but soon fell back to $1.2666, which was its level at the previous close. Traders are concerned the next PM will want a tougher Brexit deal from the European Union after Mrs May spent two years trying to push through her plans. Meanwhile Britain's main stock index the FTSE 100 advanced this morning, aided by hopes of a resolution to the prolonged trade war between the US and China. Advertisement

As the leadership contest kicked into top gear this afternoon, Mr Johnson told an economic conference in Switzerland: 'We will leave the EU on October 31, deal or no deal.'

He added: 'The way to get a good deal is to prepare for a no deal,'

Asked about his own leadership ambitions, Mr Gove said: 'Today is a day for all of us to reflect on the Prime Minister's achievements, to thank her for everything that she has done for this country and to show her the respect and gratitude that she deserves for having always put this country first.'

Mr Hunt effectively confirmed that he will join the race to replace to Mrs May as Tory party leader.

'I'll make the announcement on my own candidacy at the appropriate time,' he told his local newspaper the Farnham Herald.

'I think this is a day to remember Theresa May and her duty, her sense of public service, the fact that she has done an incredibly difficult job with enormous integrity, and I think that's what people up and down the county will be thinking today.'

The Tory leadership contest will now kick off on June 7 - although in reality the main candidates have been running full-scale campaigns for weeks.

While as many as 25 MPs could run for the job they will swiftly be whittled down into a workable number as MPs show their allegiances and plot to get their chosen man or woman into Downing Street.

As chair of the 1922 committee, Sir Graham Brady is responsible for organising leadership contests. But he said today that he was considering taking part.

So who will replace Theresa? Bookies' favourite Boris is ODDS-ON to take May's crown as a DOZEN former ministers and backbenchers enter the race to be PM

Boris Johnson is now odds-on to replace Theresa May's after her decision to resign on June 7 fired the official starting gun on the race to succeed her.

The long-term favourite has roared into a commanding lead to win the vote to take over as Tory leader and become the Prime Minister who will be faced with delivering Brexit.

But the field in the contest due to take place in June and July is likely to be wide, with more than a dozen ministers, former ministers and backbenchers believed to be ready to run.

Some like Mr Johnson, Rory Stewart and Esther McVey have already announced they will run and Jeremy Hunt announced to his local paper this morning that he was going for it.

Other frontrunners believed to be ready include Dominic Raab, Sajid Javid and Andrea Leadsom.

But a few outsiders have seen their odds shorten this morning, including hardline Brexiteer Steve Baker and even Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee.

Here we look at the main runners and riders, with their odds with Ladbrokes and how they voted in the 2016 referendum:

Theresa May broke down in tears as she announced she would step down as party leader on June 7, sparking a leadership battle in June and July

Boris Johnson: The long-running thorn in May's side who has recently had a 'prime ministerial' makeover

Boris Johnson split from his wife Marina and is in a relationship with former Conservative staffer Carrie Symonds

Former foreign secretary and mayor of London

Voted leave and has become an increasingly hardline Brexiteer

As likely to make headlines over his private life

Has recently lost a lot of weight and smartened up his appearance

Leadership odds 10/11

The former foreign secretary, 54, who quit last July and has been tacitly campaigning for the leadership ever since. He finally went public last week to confirm he would run.

Never far from the limelight the father-of-four recently split from his wife Marina and is in a relationship with former Conservative staffer Carrie Symonds, 20 years his junior.

As an increasingly hawkish Brexiteer who says we should not be afraid of leaving without a deal he is hugely popular with the party faithful.

At the start of the year he underwent what might be deemed a ‘prime ministerial’ makeover, losing weight and taming his unruly mop of blonde hair.

Popular with the rank-and-file membership he has less fans in the parliamentary party and may face a concerted campaign to block his succession. Received the surprise backing of Johnny Mercer last night.

Dominic Raab: Brexiteer who quit rather than back Mrs May's deal

Dominic Raab has become a cheerleader for a hard Brexit since stepping down as Brexit secretary in November

Shortlived Brexit secretary last year, replacing David Davis in the hot seat

But walked in November over terms agreed by PM

Voted for Brexit in 2016

Leadership odds 5/1

Mr Raab, 45, is another Vote Leave member who became Brexit secretary after David Davis quit alongside Mr Johnson last July over the Chequers plan.

But he lasted just a matter of months before he too jumped ship, saying he could not accept the terms of the deal done by the Prime Minister.

Like Mr Johnson and Mr Davis he has become an increasingly hardline Brexiteer, sharing a platform with the DUP's Arlene Foster and suggesting we should not be afraid of a no-deal Brexit.

The Esher and Walton MP's decision to quit in November, boosted his popularity with party members but he lacks the wider popular appeal of Mr Johnson.

And like Mr Johnson he might benefit from having quit the Cabinet at an earlier stage and dissociating himself with the dying days of the May administration.

His odds have shortened as he is seen as possibly a more palatable alternative Brexiteer to Boris by MPs seeking to block Mr Johnson's run.

He recently posed for a glossy photoshoot with wife Erika at their Surrey home, seen as a sign he will run.

Andrea Leadsom: May's former rival who finally decided she could take no more

Ms Leadsom (pictured today) quit the cabinet yesterday. She is a Brexiteer who frequently clashed with Speaker John Bercow

The Commons' Leader challenged May in 2016

Voted for Brexit

Hosted Brexiteer 'pizza party' plot last year

Increasingly outspoken Brexiteer

Leadership odds 12/1

The former Commons’ Leader piled pressure on the Prime Minister by announcing her own resignation from the Cabinet on Wednesday.

In a parting blast, the Commons Leader said she could not stomach the latest version of Mrs May's Brexit deal, with its offer of a second referendum.

In a brutal resignation letter she said: 'I no longer believe that our approach will deliver on the referendum result.'

It was the final act by an MP whose departure had seemingly been on the cards for months.

Mrs Leadsom, a mother of three, stood against Mrs May for the party leadership in 2016 before conceding defeat before it was put to a vote of MPs.

As collective responsibility largely broke down among ministers she became an increasingly vocal and clear Brexiteer voice in the Cabinet along line similar lines to Mr Johnson and Mr Raab.

She was the host of a Brexiteer ‘pizza party’ in Parliament that included Michael Gove and Liz Truss as the vying wings of the Cabinet plotted to shape the Brexit deal they wanted.

In her role as Commons’ Leader she frequently clashes with Speaker John Bercow over issues including bullying in Parliament.

It is something that will do her no harm among the Tory backbenches where he is widely loathed.

Michael Gove: The boomerang cabinet minister with a Machiavellian reputation

Michael Gove has made a remarkable political comeback after being sacked by Theresa May in 2016

Leading Vote Leave figure in 2016 who now backs PM's Brexit deal

Former journalist, 51, who stood for leadership in 2016

Was sacked as education minister by Theresa May

Later returned as Environment Minister

Leadship odds 12/1

A Brexiteer with a Machiavellian reputation after the 2016 leadership campaign in which he first supported Boris Johnson for the leadership and then stood against him, to their mutual disadvantage.

The former education secretary - sacked by Mrs May - was rehabilitated to become a right-on environment secretary - complete with reusable coffee cups and a strong line on food standards after Brexit.

Despite being a former lead figure in the Vote Leave campaign alongside Mr Johnson the former journalist and MP for Surrey Heath has swung behind Mrs May's Brexit deal - which might count against him.

But while he noisily supports the deal - he views the alternatives as worse - the father-of-two - married to Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine - is quieter when it comes to supporting the Prime Minister and practically mute when it comes to her future.

Seen as one of the Cabinet's strongest political thinkers and having stood once it is unthinkable that he would not stand again.

But like many others he has yet to publicly declare his candidacy.

If he did it would again pitch him pitched against Mr Johnson in a battle for Brexiteer votes.

Jeremy Hunt: Remainer turned Brexiteer unity candidate who wants to heal the party

Jeremy Hunt, a born-again Brexiteer after supporting Remain, toured Africa last month with wife Lucia

The Foreign Secretary voted Remain

But has become an increasingly vocal Brexiteer

Former health secretary backs May's deal

Has approached ministers about running as a unity candidate

Leadership odds 16/1

The Foreign Secretary who has undergone a Damascene conversion to the Brexit cause and is seen as a safe if uninspiring pair of hands.

The 52-year-old South West Surrey MP has reportedly been selling himself to colleagues as a unity candidate who can bring together the fractious Tory factions into something approaching a cohesive party.

A long-serving health secretary, the father-of three replaced Mr Johnson as the UK's top diplomat and has won some plaudits over issues like the imprisonment of British mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe in Iran.

But critics point to tub-thumpingly comparing the EU to the USSR at the party conference last year - which was very badly received in Brussels - and a gaffe in which he referred to his Chinese wife as 'Japanese' as a reception in China.

Last month he went on a tour of Africa in which his Chinese wife Lucia made a major appearance, after he gaffed by forgetting her nationality.

Last week he called for a 'decisive' hike in defence spending to see off the rising threat from Russia and China – in a speech seen as a clear signal of his leadership ambitions.

Speaking at the Lord Mayor's Banquet Mansion House in the City of London, he said the UK's hard power must be strengthened, with billions more spent on new capabilities to tackle drones and cyber attacks.

Penny Mordaunt: The highly regarded Brexiteer promoted to take on defence

Ms Mordaunt is an outsider for the leadership but is highly thought of in Brexiteer groups

The MP for Portsmouth North is a Royal Navy reservist

Highly regarded in Brexiteer circles

She has been consistently tipped to quit over Brexit b ut remains in the Cabinet

Once appeared in a swimsuit in a reality TV show

Leadership odds 20/1

The new Defence Secretary - the first woman ever to hold the post - is highly regarded in Brexiteer circles.

The Royal Navy reservist, 46, carved out a niche at International Development with some eye-catching suggests about changing how the UK spends disperses aid cash.

She has become an increasingly serious politician after initially being seen as lighthearted when she appeared in a swimsuit in ITV reality TV show Splash!

She was promoted earlier this month to replace Gavin Williamson when he was sacked for leaking details from a confidential meeting about Huawei.

Over the preceding few months she was at the heart of persistent rumours that she would be the next Brexit-supporting minister out the door over Brexit.

She has yet to announce she is running but last month she backed a thinktank report saying the party needed to attract new voters.

She said the party needed to 'act swiftly' to win over the younger generations who were turning away from the centre-Right in 'unprecedented' numbers.

On Wednesday, after other Cabinet Brexiteers including Andrea Leadsom were notable by their absence during Prime Minister's Questions, she remained at her post. It remains to be seen whether this loyalty will count for or against her.

Sajid Javid: Remainer star who has run into trouble over knife crime and refugees

Sajid Javid has seen his stock take a hit over the knife crime crisis and migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats

The most senior cabinet contender

Voted Remain but wants to see Brexit delivered

Faced criticism as Home Secretary

But has taken a hard line on Shamima Begum case

Leadership odds 25/1

The Home Secretary, a Remainer who wants to see Brexit delivered, was the leading candidate from inside the Cabinet to replace Mrs May.

After replacing Amber Rudd last year he consciously put clear ground between himself and the Prime Minister on issues like caps on skilled migrants after Brexit.

But his credentials have taken a hit recently. He finds himself facing ongoing criticism of his handling of the knife crime crisis affecting UK cities, which sparked a Cabinet row over funding for police.

He also lost face over his handling of the influx of migrants crossing the English Channel in January, being seen to move slowly in realising the scale of the problem.

But more recently the 49-year-old Bromsgove MP has made a serious of hardline decision designed to go down well with Tory voters.

Most notably they have included moving to deprive London teenager turned Jihadi bride Shamima Begum, 19, of her British citizenship, after she was discovered among former Islamic State members in a Syrian refugee camp.

Rory Stewart: Remainer rising star and friend of royals who is not short of confidence

The father of two is married to Shoshana, whom he first met when they worked together in Iraq and she was already married

Penrith MP, 46, is a former tutor to the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex

Old Etonian ex-soldier worked for Foreign Office in Iraq and set up a charity for the Prince of Wale sin Afghanistan

Voted for Remain and still backs a soft Brexit

Leadership odds 25/1

The former prisons minister who once vowed to quit if they did not improve within a year declared his candidacy almost as soon as he was promoted to the Cabinet.

He stepped up to International Development Secretary earlier this month to replace Ms Mordaunt and days later declared he will run for the Tory leadership.

The Theresa May loyalist praised the PM for her 'courageous effort' to pass her Brexit deal but admitted he would throw his hat in the ring when she steps down.

Urging his party not to 'try to outdo Nigel Farage', the development secretary said the Tories should 'stretch all the way from Ken Clarke to Jacob Rees-Mogg'.

The Old Etonian former tutor to the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex previously worked for the Foreign Office in Iraq and set up a charity for the Prince of Wales in Afghanistan.

He has also written several books about walking.

The father of two is married to Shoshana, whom he first met when they worked together in Iraq and she was already married.

Seen as highly intelligent his staunch Remainer and soft Brexit credentials look likely to count against him in a race set to be dominated by the Brexiteer wing of the party.

Matt Hancock: Waffle-loving health secretary who wants Tories to choose a younger leader

Mr Hancock took stroopwafels in for Cabinet the day after he was pulled up for eating them on television

The youngest front-runner at 40

A Remainer who now backs Theresa May's Brexit deal

He wants the party to look to the future and attract younger voters

Leadership odds 50/1

The Health Secretary is, like his predecessor Jeremy Hunt, seen as something of a unity candidate.

The 40-year-old father of three is seen as a safe pair of hands despite a few teething problems in his latest Cabinet role.

Last year he was accused of breaking ethics rules after he praised a private health firm app in a newspaper article sponsored by its maker.

But he has since make some hard-hitting interventions in ares like the impact of social media on health.

Last month he joined Ms Mordaunt in backing the Generation Why? report showing that the Tories needed to become more relevant to younger voters.

He called on the party to change its 'tone' towards modern Britain or face Jeremy Corbyn as prime minister, in a speech widely seen as setting out his leadership credentials.

This week he showed his human side by unashamedly chomping calorific stroopwafels before a TV broadcast, saying he people should enjoy things in moderation.

Steve Baker: Brexiteer 'Spartan' and self-styled 'hardman' who refused to budge over Brexit

Brexit 'hardman' Steve Baker has previously threatened to leave the Tories over Brexit

Former Brexit minister who resigned last year

A member of the European Research Group which has has opposed Theresa May's deal in every vote

Threatened to quit the Tories over Brexit earlier this year

Leadership odds 50/1

The High Wycombe MP, 47, is a Brexit purist who has never backed Theresa May's deal.

In March he even threatened to quit the party over the issue, saying: 'We've been put in this place by people whose addiction to power without responsibility has led them to put the choice of No Brexit or this deal.

'I may yet resign the whip than be part of this.'

The married former RAF engineer officer described himself as a 'hardman' in a TV interview this year, only to be shown shortly afterwards in a dsocumentary crying in his office.

Today he told the BBC: 'There is no point shying away from it, people have been asking me to stand. I have had a degree of support from across the country that I could never have foreseen.

'I have also had some MPs asking me to stand but I need to face up to the challenge of taking a decision on whether I should do it.

Sir Graham Brady: Backbench kingmaker with an eye on the throne?

The chairman of the influential 1922 Committee of backbench MPs has played a key but neutral role in the downfall of Theresa May

The chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs

He went into Downing Street today to tell Mrs May time was up

But his name was oddly missing from a later statement on leadership

Leadership odds 50/1

The chairman of the influential 1922 Committee of backbench MPs has played a key but neutral role in the downfall of Theresa May.

Despite being a Brexiteer he has been an independent arbiter, overseeing the no-confidence vote Mrs May survived in December and reportedly opposing attempts to change the rules to dethrone her early.

The married father of two has held several meetings with the PM in recent weeks as the mutiny against her grew and this morning saw her in Downing Street where he told her that her time was up.

But his name was conspicuously absent from a later Conservative Party statement about how the leadership election would happen. The three signatories - including his two 1922 deputies - ruled themselves out of running, leaving people to wonder whether he would run.

His Brexiteer credentials and honourable display as Mrs May was brought down will count in his favour but he lacks frontbench experience, having a sole three-year stint as a shadow Europe minister 15 years ago on his CV.

Esther McVey: Former TV presenter and minister who quit Government over Brexit

The former television journalist, is engaged to fellow Tory backbench Brexiteer Philip Davies, 47

The 51-year-old was Work and Pensions Secretary until quitting in November

She was a presenter on GMTV before entering politics

Is engaged to fellow Tory MP Philip Davies

This week launched a 'blue collar Conservatism' project

Leadership odds 66/1

The former Work and Pensions Secretary declared her leadership bid last month and has set out a stall as a right-wing blue-collar candidate from a working class Liverpudlian background.

The former television journalist, is engaged to fellow Tory backbench Brexiteer Philip Davies, 47, having previously had a romance with ex-minister Ed Vaizey. She has no children.

This week she set out her leadership pitch by calling for the party to use £7billion of foreign aid cash on buckling British police forces and schools.

Launching a 'blue collar conservatism' campaign the Brexiteer MP, 51, said her party had 'lost the trust' of working people by failing to leave the EU already and must pursue 'radical conservative agendas' to win it back'.

She said that keeping cash in the UK that is currently sent abroad would allow an increase of £4billion in spending on schools and £3billion for police, which are both demanding more money.

And she declined to rule out doing a post-election deal with Nigel Farage - but said that if the Tories got the UK out it would mean that his Brexit Party would have no reason to exist. Speaking in Westminster she reiterated her call for the next party leader to be 'someone who believes in Brexit' - a dig at Mrs May, who supported the Remain campaign in 2016.