Leo Varadkar has formally resigned as Taoiseach at Áras an Uachtaráin.

He arrived at the Áras shortly before 6pm and held a 40-minute meeting with President Michael D Higgins to formalise his decision.

Mr Varadkar was joined for the meeting by Secretary General John Callinan and his Press Secretary Nick Miller.

Leo Varadkar has arrived at Áras an Uachtaráin to formally resign as Taoiseach. pic.twitter.com/iMc5rTTjgm

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He will now remain in the role of Taoiseach in a caretaking capacity until a new leader is elected by the Dáil.

All going to plan, Simon Harris will be elected as the country’s 15th Taoiseach in the morning and will receive the President’s seal of approval at lunchtime.

A much-anticipated cabinet announcement is expected to come later in the day two positions, Higher Education and Enterprise, are currently vacant.

Speculation has also been rife as to whether Justice Minister Helen McEntee will stay on in her role.

Reporting by Sheila Naughton. 

Main image: Michael D. Higgins accepting the resignation of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today. Image: Áras an Uachtaráin