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The Conservative leader has confirmed to MPs she will step down from her post on August 30, 2019. The date will see her lead for five months after Britain leaves the EU on 29 March 2019, the nation’s official departure date. It comes after the PM’s Brexit team committed the nation to a lengthy transition period, which could see the UK remain in the customs union for as long as two years following the divorce date. Theresa May has been keen to crush dissent within her party, reportedly concerned that in-fighting party members could disrupt the Brexit process.

GETTY The date will see her lead for five months after Britain leaves the EU on 29 March 2019

In a charm offensive Mrs May has invited scores of MPs and their partners to her Chequers country retreat. In a bid to keep unruly elements of the party on side she has plied them with prosecco, canapés and homemade chocolates as she persuades them to give her the time and support needed to get on with the job. Speaking to the Mirror, one Tory MP entertained by the PM said: "It’s clear she won’t lead us into another election and will be gone by September 2019. “She invited MPs to Chequers to ensure there isn’t a ­leadership contest in the meantime.

General Election 2017: the most shocking election in recent history Thu, June 8, 2017 No-one saw it coming. A resurgent Labour has delivered a humiliating blow to Theresa May. While still the Prime Minister, the Conservative majority has been decimated Play slideshow Reuters/PA/Getty/EPA 1 of 39 How has the election panned out for the four main parties?

GETTY Many members of May's top team are in the running for the job

“Giving the dogs a stroke is better than giving them a kick, I suppose.” During the five months following Brexit the party is expected to select their new leader, with a winner announced on August 30. The new Prime Minister would then stand at the head of the Government on September 3rd following the 2019 summer break. But it is unclear if the new leader will call for a general election to support their mandate for Britain’s future, or carry on with the slim parliamentary majority won by Mrs May. It comes as party members throw their support behind Brexiteer figureheads – including Brexit minister David Davis – and eurosceptic rising star Jacob Rees-Mogg.

GETTY Jacob Rees-Mogg has risen to second place in the race to become the next PM

Theresa May's most powerful quotes Thu, August 31, 2017 Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 8 'I will be ruthless in cutting out waste, streamlining structures and improving efficiency'