British Prime Minister Liz Truss announced her resignation Thursday morning after just six weeks in office, becoming the shortest-serving prime minister in UK history.

The former foreign secretary's policies to mitigate economic problems backfired, sending the markets into a frenzy and sinking the pound further. Truss' tenure was marked by a pound in trouble and a British economy in tatters, leading to calls for her resignation.

Under pressure from her own party, Truss opted to step down following a damaging 24 hours. Home Secretary Suella Braverman blasted her leadership after resigning on Wednesday, followed by charges of forcing lawmakers to vote against a fracking ban.

A contest to fill her vacancy will take place within a week, Truss said in a speech announcing her resignation on Thursday.

Under current Conservative Party rules, election-hopefuls must put themselves forward to a vote by the 357 members of the parliamentary party. The top two candidates from that process move forward to a second round.

Prior to Truss, whose term lasted a mere 45 days, George Canning previously held the record for the shortest term as prime inister, having served for 119 days until his death in 1827.

Truss came into office amid a storm of controversy around her predecessor, Boris Johnson. Her departure leaves Downing Street and the Conservatives back at square one. With an imminent election, the U.K. is set to have its fourth prime minister since 2019.