Theresa May will be the British Prime Minister by Wednesday evening as Andrea Leadsom pulls out of the contest, David Cameron has said.

While thanking the 84 colleagues who supported her bid for leadership, Leadsom withdrew from the election wishing May the ‘very greatest success’.

She said: “This is less than 25% of the parliamentary party and after careful consideration I do not believe this is sufficient support to lead a strong and stable government should I win the leadership election."

"There is no greater privilege than to lead the Conservative Party in government and I would have been deeply honoured to do it.

"I have however concluded that the interests of our country are best served by the immediate appointment of a strong and well-supported prime minister.”

The shock departure from the battle comes just days after Leadsom suggested that being a mother made her a more suitable candidate.

Mrs May both rejected this statement and the argument that the next leader had to be on the winning side of the European Referendum, she said: “Brexit means Brexit and we’re going to make a success of it.”

“May will execute the will of the people of Gravesham out of the EU and allow us to prosper"- Adam Holloway, MP

September 9, was originally scheduled to declare the new leader, but given the reduction in the number of candidates from five to one- David Cameron has announced the hand-over will take place by Wednesday evening.

The decision is currently being overseen by the 1922 Committee of Backbench Conservative MPs which has said the Tory Party must respect the decision-making process.

Adam Holloway, MP for Gravesham is in support of May as leader, he said: “I think it would have been good to have a contest but that not being the case now, there is somebody who ticks all the boxes with a great deal of experience, she has been very clear."

“May will execute the will of the people of Gravesham out of the EU and allow us to prosper.”

Dartford MP, Gareth Johnson seems equally content with Theresa May in-charge.

He said: “I think she will be a very competent safe pair of hands for the country. During the last Parliament I was a Private Parliamentary Secretary in the Home Office where I witnessed first hand the effective way she dealt with home affairs. I am sure she will now be able to use those skills as Prime Minister.

“It’s been a remarkable few weeks in British Politics which has left a mood amongst the general public of wanting stability. I’m confident Theresa May Is capable of providing that and giving the country the leadership it needs at the moment.”