In a statement lasting less than five minutes, on the steps of Downing Street, where 44 days ago she pledged to “deliver, deliver, deliver”, Liz Truss just announced her resignation.

She says the leadership election to replace her will be completed within a week.

MPs certainly want a quick resolution to the chaos, not another drawn out race, but there is no clear consensus on a unity candidate to replace her.

Sunak favourite to be new PM but big hitter rules himself out – politics latest

Among the names MPs have mentioned today are Penny Mordaunt, Rishi Sunak, Suella Braverman, Ben Wallace and Grant Shapps.

Jeremy Hunt, who has been seen by some MPs as a kingmaker who could decide the next PM, has also ruled himself out.

What’s clear is that MPs appear to be becoming even more entrenched in their leadership camps and who they back. Finding consensus won’t be easy.

Read Liz Truss’s resignation statement outside Downing Street in full

Sir Keir Starmer calls for general election as politicians react to Liz Truss’s resignation

Liz Truss resignation sparks recovery for pound, shares and government borrowing costs

Liz Truss said she came into office at a time of great “international instability”, but hers is a premiership that will be characterised by infighting and chaotic U-turns.

She will likely now be remembered as the shortest-serving prime minister in British history, overtaking George Canning who died in office after 119 days.

If the Tories can’t resolve this quickly, and smoothly, the calls for a general election could become deafening.

Related posts:

I have always had the highest admiration for the Queen, says Johnson Greensill lobbying scandal: Former top official who worked for firm denies conflict Blair slams Biden for ‘imbecilic’ Afghan pullout and says UK status is in decline MoD investigation into data breach involving 250 Afghan interpreters’ details Bereaved families COVID group can attend Tory conference after initially being rejected PM hails ‘real progress’ in US-UK trade during White House talks – despite failing to commit to deal by 2024 Metropolitan Police refers itself to watchdog over handling of Downing Street party investigation Review of the political year Email suggests PM authorised evacuation of animals from Afghanistan – which he denied Wait for No 10 lockdown parties report to be published rolls on Boris Johnson says MPs should ‘win seats based on merit’ in response to all-female shortlists Busy week ahead when politics returns from mourning the Queen