THERESA May will be remembered as having 'one of the worst legacies', a Labour MP has said.

The Prime Minister has announced she will step down as the leader of the Conservatives on June 7, sparking a leadership contest.

Following the announcement, Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle says her successor faces unprecedented challenges.

He praised Theresa May for being “dignified and polite” in his meetings with her, but said she was unable to adapt to changing situations.

The Labour MP, who was elected in 2015, said: “This was completely inevitable. She is a leader and Prime Minister who leaves behind one of the worst legacies, not just in modern politics, but in historical terms too.

“I have met Theresa May a number of times now to negotiate about a confirmatory referendum.

“Personally she was always very polite and dignified. In recent weeks she invested a lot of time in the talks, and for that I will always be grateful.

“But she didn’t have the empathy of the sort of characteristics of a leader who was able to adapt and lead when situations changed. She followed a vocal minority.

“The challenges for the next leader are unprecedented, and I look forward to that with trepidation.

“None of the choices on offer have the skills to match the challenge our country faces.”

Meanwhile Green Party Brighton MP Caroline Lucas said Theresa May inherited the "poisoned chalice".

Ms Lucas said: "She was given an impossible job, she had deliver a hard Brexit without the Northern Irish backstop. The only way we’re getting a Brexit without backstop is if it’s a very very soft one, which we don’t want.

"She was almost uniquely incompetent. Now the Conservatives are holding the country hostage while they hold their leadership election.

"I’m very worried we will get a right-wing leader in favour of no deal because Nigel Farage essentially controls the Conservatives now. They will lurch to the right to pick up his voters."

Theresa May gave an emotional statement outside Number 10.

She said: "I feel as certain today as I did three years ago that, in a democracy, if you give people a choice you have a duty to implement what they decide. I have done my best to do that.

"But it is now clear to me that it is in the best interests of the country for a new prime minister to lead that effort.

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

"It will be for my successor to seek a way forward that honours the result of the referendum.

"To succeed, he or she will have to find consensus in Parliament where I have not.

"Such a consensus can only be reached if those on all sides of the debate are willing to compromise."

Her speech was welcomed by Conservative Wealden MP Nusrat Ghani. 

She said: "An emotional and dignified speech from Theresa May who deserves our thanks and gratitude. A dedicated public servant and patriot."

Boris Johnson is the favourite to succeed her, but frontbenchers including Sajid Javid, Jeremy Hunt, and Dominic Raab have may also stand.