Historical Figure
Theresa May
b. 1956
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2019
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Biography
Theresa Mary May, Baroness May of Maidenhead, is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2016 to 2019. She previously served as Home Secretary from 2010 to 2016. She was Member of Parliament (MP) for Maidenhead from 1997 to 2024, and has been a member of the House of Lords since August 2024. May was the second female British prime minister, after Margaret Thatcher, and the first woman to have held two of the Great Offices of State. May is a one-nation conservative.
In Their Own Words (5)
I hope that we all agree that the aim is to provide the right education for every child. For some children, that will be an education that is firmly based in learning practical and vocational skills. For others, it will be an education based on academic excellence.
Maiden speech to Parliament (2 June 1997). , 1997
It is important to emphasise that disruption increases teacher's workloads and wastes lesson time that teachers have carefully prepared for.
On climate change marches (15 February 2019). , 2019
I continue to practice in the same way that I always have done and I think it's important that one is able to do that. Faith guides me in everything I do.
Theresa May talks faith, the Church and the election, Christian News (1 June 2017). , 2017
If you believe you are a citizen of the world, you’re a citizen of nowhere.
Speech at the Conservative Party Conference (October 2016). , 2016
[In relation to the Conservatives' policy on social care costs] Nothing has changed.
During the 2017 general election campaign, BBC News , 2017
Timeline
The story of Theresa May, told in moments.
Born Theresa Brasier in Eastbourne, Sussex. Daughter of a Church of England vicar. Grew up in Oxfordshire. Told people from a young age she wanted to be the first female prime minister. Thatcher got there first.
Appointed Home Secretary, one of the Great Offices of State. Served six years in the role, the longest tenure in over 60 years. Oversaw police reform, deported Abu Qatada, and created the National Crime Agency.
Became Prime Minister after David Cameron resigned over the Brexit referendum result. She'd campaigned for Remain but vowed to deliver Brexit. "Brexit means Brexit," she repeated constantly.
Announced her resignation after Parliament rejected her Brexit deal three times. Cried at the podium. She'd tried to find a compromise nobody wanted. Served as PM for just under three years.
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