Theresa May hints she will step down before next election in last-minute bid to save her leadership

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LONDON - Downing Street fuelled speculation on Wednesday that Theresa May could resign before the next election, a move that could shore up support ahead of an imminent vote on her leadership.

Ahead of Wednesday evening's confidence vote, a spokesperson for the prime minister said: "This vote isn't about who leads us into the next general election."

"It is about whether it is sensible to change leader at this point in Brexit negotiations."

"She believes it's her duty to serve as long as her party wants her to."

The news will be interpreted as a hint that Theresa May is prepared to stand down before the next general election, scheduled for 2022, if Conservative MPs back her premiership tonight and allow her to deliver Brexit.

This is a developing story.

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