Copeland MP Trudy Harrison has paid tribute to Theresa May's resilience and strength following the Prime Minister's announcement she will step down as Conservative leader.

Mrs May's turbulent leadership of the Conservative Party will end on June 7, paving the way for a new prime minister to lead the Brexit process.

A tearful Prime Minister said she had "done my best" to get her Withdrawal Agreement through Parliament and take the UK out of the European Union but acknowledged she had failed.

Speaking after the announcement, Mrs Harrison said: "This has been expected for weeks. I pay tribute to Theresa May for her resilience, strength and dedication. I know she has always had the national interest at heart and I've already begun engaging with prospective leaders of our party.

"I will be looking for a Prime Minister who recognises the North of England's qualities – nuclear, tourism and the farming industries – and who recognises the importance in health and education and will prioritise spending on road, rail and infrastructure, especially in Copeland.

"So far I have met with a number of candidates. I'm looking for experience and competence as well as support for nuclear, tourism and farming industires.

"For me at the moment my favourite for Prime Minister would be Michael Gove."

Mrs May made the announcement on the steps of 10 Downing Street this morning.

She said: "It is and will always remain a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit."

Watched by husband Philip and her closest aides, an emotional Mrs May said it was in the "best interests of the country for a new prime minister to lead that effort".

Announcing her departure from a job she loved, Mrs May said: "I am today announcing that I will resign as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party on Friday, June 7 so that a successor can be chosen."

Concluding her resignation statement, Mrs May broke down as she said it had been "the honour of my life" to serve "the country that I love".

Earlier, in a sign that the leadership race to replace Mrs May is already under way, Helen Grant quit as Conservative vice chair for communities to "actively and openly" support Dominic Raab.

She quit her Tory party role to avoid any "perception of a conflict" between Mr Raab's campaign and Conservative HQ".

Ms Grant said the former Brexit secretary "has an inspiring vision for a fairer Britain and I think he is undoubtedly the best person to unite the Conservative Party and our country".

Cumbrian MP Rory Stewart is among the Prime Minister's potential successors. The Penrith MP, who was this month given his first Cabinet post as international development secretary by Mrs May, began his leadership bid in an interview with The Spectator last month.

"If you want someone who really enjoys doing stuff and loves government and is really proud of the country and feel that's their thing, I'm really enthusiastic," he said.

Following the news, Mr Stewart tweeted: “The Prime Minister has been an immensely dignified public servant – it has been a great honour to work with her and for her - we owe @theresa_may a great debt of gratitude.”

Mrs May will remain as Prime Minister until a new Tory leader is chosen.