Outgoing UK Prime Minister Theresa May's inspirational message to young women

Theresa May has officially resigned as Britain’s Prime Minister, making way for Boris Johnson to be named as Queen Elizabeth's 14th Prime Minister.

Before heading over to Buckingham Palace to hand over the reins, the outgoing PM gave a final speech about her time in the top job.

Standing alongside her husband Philip May outside the doors of No. 10 Downing Street, the 62-year-old said she hoped her tenure would inspire women everywhere.

"This is a country of aspiration and opportunity, and I hope every young girl who has seen a woman prime minister now knows for sure there are no limits to what they can achieve," May said.

Serving as PM from 2016 till 2019, May thanked her team, saying: "To serve as prime minister of the UK is the greatest honour...but you achieve nothing alone. As I leave Downing Street my final words are of sincere thanks.

"Thank you for putting your faith in me and giving me the chance to serve," she added before thanking her husband.

May is only the second female UK Prime Minister, after Margaret Thatcher who was in the role from 1979 to 1990.

While Thatcher was a polarising figure across the UK, she is the longest serving PM for over 150 years (a record she still holds to this day).

Following her speech, May met with Queen Elizabeth to formally hand in her notice.

Typically, The Queen and the UK Prime Minister meet weekly to discuss matters of government, in what's called an ‘audience’.

"The Right Honourable Theresa May MP tendered her resignation as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury. Her Majesty was graciously pleased to accept,” The Royal Family announced on Twitter.

The Queen then met with Johnson and formally invited him to form government.