The extraordinary moment David Cameron quits after humbling EU referendum defeat ends his six years in Downing Street

 

Mrs Cameron clearly had tears in her eyes as her husband resigned - Mr Cameron himself struggled to get through his speech

 

David Cameron almost broke down and his wife Samantha wiped away tears as he fell on his sword after his devastating referendum defeat.

The Prime Minister looked tired and grey as he walked out of No 10 at 8.23am as it became clear his exit was now inevitable.

His great gamble on a referendum on European Union membership had not paid off and he acknowledged that 'fresh leadership' was required.

Flanked by his wife his voice cracked with emotion as he announced his decision to step down as Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street. 

 

Afterwards he grabbed Samantha's hand and refused to stop for questions as he filed back through the famous black door

After the Prime Minister said that the UK needed a new leader he clasped hands with his wife - who was too emotional to return his smile

 

There were some gasps among the world's press, who had been gathering in Downing Street since dawn to hear how Mr Cameron would respond to the humiliation of defeat.

But there were also some cheers outside Downing Street as Brexit supporters waving Union Flags heard news that Mr Cameron would step down. 

The delivery of newspapers shortly after 6am would not have improved the mood behind the famous black door of Number 10, with headlines foreshadowing what would soon become official - the British people had voted to Leave.

There had been frenzied speculation among the waiting press about what exactly Mr Cameron would do - would he vow to fight on, despite the blow to his authority? Would he quit immediately?