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1957: Sir Anthony Eden resigns
Sir Anthony Eden has resigned as prime minister of Britain due to ill health.
A statement issued by Buckingham Palace at 1900 GMT today said that following a private audience with the Queen, Her Majesty had accepted the prime minister's resignation. Sir Anthony issued his own statement this evening: "When I returned to this country a month ago I hoped that my health had been sufficiently restored to enable me to carry out my duties effectively for some considerable time. That hope has not been realised. "I do not feel that it is right for me to continue in office as the Queen's First Minister knowing that I shall be unable to do my full duty by my Sovereign and the country." Successor Sir Anthony underwent a series of operations to correct a gall bladder condition in 1953. But in recent months the abdominal symptoms have recurred and he has now been advised by his doctors to take rest. The Queen will decide who will become the next prime minister and leader of the Conservatives. It is thought the job will be given either to Harold Macmillan, current Chancellor of the Exchequer or to Rab Butler, leader of the House of Commons.
Sir Anthony was prime minister for one year and 279 days. Although a popular leader when he was elected, many believe his controversial decision to use armed intervention in the Suez crisis last year was the beginning of his demise as prime minister.
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