U.K.’s Theresa May to Put Brexit Plan Up for Fourth Vote, Set Terms for Her Departure

Posted On 17 May 2019

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May’s Brexit plan has been rejected by lawmakers three times.

U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May will decide on a timetable for her departure in early June as part of a fourth attempt to get approval for her plan governing the country’s departure from the European Union.

May’s proposal has been voted down three times, prompting Brexit to be postponed from March to October. The prime minister said before the third vote on the plan that she would step down if it was approved, but lawmakers still rejected it. She has maintained that she will resign once a divorce deal is passed.

May and her government have been in talks with the opposition Labour Party for over a month trying to find consensus on the U.K.’s future relationship with the EU but have so far been unable to agree on a plan. May will reportedly try to push her plan through Parliament once again in early June.

Lawmakers in May’s Conservative government want her to outline a timetable for her resignation in the case that the plan is not approved – an outcome that appears likely as of now.

“We have agreed that she and I will meet following the second reading of the bill to agree a timetable for the election of a new leader,” said Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, a group of Conservative lawmakers that plays a determinative role in deciding party leadership. Brady added that the conversation will happen no matter the outcome of the vote, according to Reuters.

May’s planned departure has already kicked off an anticipatory fight for the leadership spot. Borris Johnson, who helped lead the campaign for Brexit, said Thursday he would stand as a candidate to replace May.