By James Tapsfield, Political Editor, For Mailonline
Published: 15:55 BST, 7 June 2019 | Updated: 16:09 BST, 7 June 2019
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Theresa May formally quit as Tory leader today, firing the starting gun on what promises to be a bitter succession race.
The PM made her resignation official in a letter to the powerful 1922 committee, which immediately announced that nominations for the top job will open on Monday.
Some 11 candidates have so far publicly said they will seek to replace Mrs May in Downing Street, but they will each need to secure backing from at least eight MPs to stand.
Mrs May was photographed smiling as she was driven away from No10 earlier - possibly relieved that her ordeal is drawing to a close.
Under the timetable set by the 1922 committee the new Tory leader should be appointed in the week of July 22, at which stage they will take over as PM.
Theresa May was photographed smiling as she was driven away from No10 earlier - possibly relieved that her ordeal is drawing to a close
In a statement, the 1922 committee confirmed that Mrs May had tendered her resignation
In a statement, the 1922 committee said: 'Following notification from the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Theresa May MP, that she has resigned as the leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party, the join acting chairs of the 1922 committee are inviting nominations from those Conservative Members of Parliament who wish to stand for election
