Theresa May becomes sole contender to be British PM

This file photo taken on July 7, 2016 shows British Conservative party leadership candidate Theresa May speaking to members of the media at The St Stephen's entrance to the Palace of Westminster in London. - AFP

LONDON:  Theresa May became the sole contender to be Britain’s next prime minister on Monday after her only rival pulled out in a dramatic twist as turmoil sweeps the political scene in the wake of the Brexit vote.  

Andrea Leadsom, who had faced heavy criticism after appearing to imply that she was more qualified than May because she had children, said a lengthy leadership race would be “highly undesirable”.