Rahul Gandhi resigns as leader of India's opposition Congress

Rahul Gandhi has resigned as leader of India's main opposition Congress party, taking responsibility for the party's defeat in the recent general election.

He ended weeks of speculation on Wednesday by tweeting his resignation letter, saying it was "an honour to serve the Congress party".

Gandhi also changed his Twitter bio to read: "Member of Congress and Member of Parliament".

A new Congress president will be chosen "within a week", party sources announced, indicating they have finally accepted his decision.