Theresa May has announced she will step down as the UK’s Prime Minister in two weeks’ time and has been praised by North Somerset MP Dr Liam Fox.

Weston Mercury: Prime Minister Theresa May making a statement outside 10 Downing Street in London. Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA WirePrime Minister Theresa May making a statement outside 10 Downing Street in London. Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Ms May, who became Prime Minister in the wake of the EU Referendum in 2016, announced this morning (Friday) she will leave office on June 7.

She has come under increasing to pressure to resign having failed to negotiate the UK's withdrawal from the EU ahead of a deadline of March 29.

Talks with Labour, and in particular discussion of a second referendum, saw increasing numbers of her own party turn against her.

Weston Mercury: Dr Liam Fox. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA WireDr Liam Fox. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire (Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

More than 30 ministers quit her Cabinet over her tenure, although Dr Fox has remained within the top positions as her International Trade Secretary.

He tweeted today: "Theresa May has acted with dignity and honour in pursuit of what she believes to be in the national interest, the hallmark of her time in public life."

Dr Fox ran in the Conservative leadership contest in 2016, but was knocked out at the first hurdle.

EU elections were held yesterday (Thursday) with the Conservatives expected to record their worst ever result.

The votes will be counted and declared on Sunday.

Mrs May said: "Back in 2016, we gave the people 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 where 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 the leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party on June 7 so that a successor can be chosen."