Theresa May in final appeal for a Brexit deal as she leaves Downing Street

Theresa May and her husband Philip appeared in Downing Street before going to Buckingham Palace

Mrs May left for Buckingham Palace to give her resignation to the Queen after saying her successor’s priority must be a Brexit "that works for the whole United Kingdom".

Mr Johnson’s willingness to deliver a no-deal Brexit has widened divisions in the Conservative Party, with one of Mrs May's final acts in office being to receive the resignations of Philip Hammond, David Gauke and Rory Stewart from their Cabinet roles in protest at the incoming Prime Minister's Brexit stance.

Theresa May fights back tears in the Commons

Mrs May's farewell speech in Downing Street was interrupted by a cry of "stop Brexit" from a protester outside - in reply she joked "I think not".

But she made clear her desire for Mr Johnson to seek a deal with Brexit, having previously warned about the risks of a no-deal departure.

Flanked by husband Philip, she said: "I repeat my warm congratulations to Boris on winning the Conservative leadership election.

"I wish him and the Government he will lead every good fortune in the months and years ahead.

"Their successes will be our country's successes, and I hope that they will be many.

"Their achievements will build on the work of nearly a decade of Conservative or Conservative-led government.

"During that time our economy has been restored, our public services reformed, and our values defended on the world stage.

"Of course, much remains to be done - the immediate priority being to complete our exit from the European Union in a way that works for the whole United Kingdom.

Mrs May added that she hoped “every young girl that has seen a woman Prime Minister knows that there are no limits to what they can achieve.”

She was applauded by Number 10 staff and aides gathered in Downing Street as she walked alongside Mr May to a waiting car that took them to Buckingham Palace.