In 11 days' time someone has to begin negotiations in Brussels on behalf of the United Kingdom, and as we go to press it is unclear who that will be. One person it suddenly looks unlikely to be, unless in the most temporary of capacities, is Theresa May.

The collapse of a Prime Minister who called an election when she looked as if she dominated the nation continues an extraordinary spate of self-inflicted mayhem among the big beasts of the Conservatives.

Her predecessor held a referendum when he need not have done and destroyed his political career and that of his Chancellor. Michael Gove then denied Boris Johnson's hopes of leadership, and his own, in a spectacular act of disloyalty.

If, or when, Ms May steps down, who will step forward '" David Davis, Philip Hammond, Amber Rudd, or Mr Johnson all over again?  Read more