Theresa May has announced the creation of a new body to tackle “deep-seated societal injustice” and create a fairer country as part of her legacy as she prepares to leave Downing Street.

As her time runs out in office, Mrs May has returned to one of the key themes of her first speech as Prime Minister when she vowed to confront the “burning injustice” in British society.

Her new independent body will use examine how race, socio-economic background, gender, disability and sexual orientation impact on people’s ability to get on in life.

The Office for Tackling Injustices (OfTI) will use data to “shine a spotlight” on key injustices, Mrs May said.

“Deep-seated societal injustice requires a long-term focus and cannot be eliminated overnight,” the Prime Minister said.

“Since becoming Prime Minister, I have challenged the injustices which still exist in our society through the power of data – from our world-leading gender pay gap reporting to the race disparity unit – and I have demanded that if disparities cannot be explained, they must be changed.

“I am proud of what we have achieved to make the UK a more just society.

“But there is more to be done now and in the years to come, if we are truly to say that this is a country which works for everyone – no matter who they are or where they’re from.

“That’s why the Office for Tackling Injustices will go further, using the power of data, gathered from extensive sources, to shine a spotlight on key injustices and provide the catalyst for better policy solutions.

“By holding Government and wider society to account, we can create lasting change.”

The new Tory leader, either Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt, will be announced on July 23 following a ballot of Conservative members and will take over as prime minister the following day.

Officials said the new OfTI will present future governments with “data-driven, evidence-based challenge” to help push forward reforms to address social disparities.