Prime Minister David Cameron has announced his resignation in the wake of the UK’s EU referendum results in which the nation has opted to leave.

This morning, the referendum results confirmed that 51.9% had voted to leave, compared to 48.1% remain.

In light of the news, Mr Cameron, who headed the campaign for Britain to remain in the EU, confirmed his resignation by October

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Mr Cameron said: “I was absolutely clear about my belief that Britain was stronger in the EU.

“The British people gave made a very clear decision to take a different path, and as such, I believe it needs fresh leadership to take it into a new direction.

“I do not believe it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.”

Mr Cameron confirmed he would remain PM for the next three months while a leadership bid was underway, and hoped to have a new Prime Minister in place by the Tory conference in October.

Eighty-four Conservative MPs who backed Britain leaving the EU had written to Mr Cameron urging him to remain as PM, whatever the outcome of the referendum.

Reacting to the news, Witham Conservative MP Priti Patel said: “I am saddened to see the Prime Minister announce his resignation today.

“His statement was dignified and honourable and he deserves great credit for the character he has shown.

“David Cameron has had a strong record as our Prime Minister delivering the first Conservative Government in a generation and reforms to our economy which have put us on the path to prosperity.

“He has been a reforming Prime Minister who has improved life chances for the most vulnerable in society, presided over an economy that has created over two million new jobs, and put in place reforms to education, the NHS and welfare that will stand the test of time.

“When he steps down later this year, David Cameron can reflect with great pride on the fact that our country is a stronger, fairer and more prosperous place than it was when he became Prime Minister in 2010.”