British PM to step down before 'next phase' of Brexit negotiations, MP says

U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May told lawmakers that she is prepared to step down “earlier than I intended” so as to win passage of her deal to leave the European Union.

However, the prime minister did not name a departure date.

May told lawmakers from the 1922 Committee of Conservative lawmakers that she wanted to do what was right for the nation.

"I am prepared to leave this job earlier than I intended in order to do what is right for our country and our party." May said.

The comments mark the first time May signaled she is prepared to quit in order to secure the necessary votes for the passage of the Brexit deal she has negotiated with the EU but which has been rejected heavily on two occasions by MPs.

“I know there is a desire for a new approach, and new leadership, in the second phase of the Brexit negotiations, and I won't stand in the way of that,” May told lawmakers.

As May stated her intention to quit, MPs in the main chamber debated eight Brexit options ranging from leaving abruptly with no deal to revoking the divorce papers or holding a new referendum.

The announcement comes as MPs seize control of the Commons agenda to hold votes on alternatives to the deal and is the latest twist in the United Kingdom's three-year Brexit crisis. It remains unclear how, when, or even if, it will leave the European Union.

Many Conservative rebels who want a cleaner break from the EU than May's deal would deliver made it clear that they would only consider supporting her agreement if she gave a firm commitment and date for her resignation.

(AP)