UK Prime Minister Liz Truss Quits After 45 Days In The Role

Liz Truss dramatically quit today, admitting defeat following crisis talks in Downing Street with Tory chiefs. 

After just 44 days in No10 - the shortest term in modern political history - the PM took to a lectern outside the famous black door to confirm her departure.

Saying she had informed the King of her decision, she said: 'I cannot deliver on the mandate.... I will remain as PM until a successor has been chosen.' 

She said the Tory leadership contest will be completed over the next week, she said. 

The bombshelll news follows 24 hours of carnage that saw the Home Secretary quit, confusion over whether the Chief Whip had followed her out of the door, and MPs wrestling in Commons voting lobbies.

She held crisis talks with 1922 chair Graham Brady, deputy PM Therese Coffeyand Tory chair Jake Berry in the building earlier, as they delivered grim message about the mood of the party.