London: Outgoing British PM Theresa May will officially step down as the leader of the Conservative Party on Friday, but will retain the post of premiership till her successor is chosen, which is expected to be at the end of July.
The move will pave the way for a leadership battle for her successor who will try to deliver Brexit after May failed to get her deal through Parliament. May announced her resignation on May 24, saying it was a matter of deep regret she had been unable to deliver Brexit.
Eleven Conservative MPs are vying to replace her, including former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, but some are likely to drop out before the June 10 deadline for nominations, the BBC reported. May remains acting party leader while the contest takes place. Her time as leader had been dominated by Brexit, with her party divided over the issue.
Nominations for her successor will close on June 10, with the first round of voting by MPs taking place on June 13. Following a hustings involving the remaining candidates on June 17, the second ballot will take place on June 18.
