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Theresa May – Margaret Thatcher Face-off | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Theresa Mary May


London – “I know I’m not a showy politician,” newly appointed British Prime Minister Theresa May said, “I don’t tour the television studios. I don’t gossip about people over lunch. I don’t go drinking in parliament’s bars. I don’t often wear my heart on my sleeve. I just get on with the job in front of me.”

May is considered closer to the right-wing conservative movement in the party despite her proposal for some social projects to attract supporters.

She has been minister of interior since 2010, and adopted a very strict plan in dealing with outlaws, discrete expats, or Islamic preachers. The Daily Telegraph described her as “very strict”, which prompted some to call her the “new Margaret Thatcher” or Iron Lady.

Former governor Kenneth Clarke described May as “bloody difficult” to which she jokingly replied, “The next person to find that out will be Jean-Claude Juncker,” referring to Brexit negotiations with the European Commission president.

Between 1999 and 2010, May took several positions in William Hague’s shadow cabinet and in 2005 she supported David Cameron in his campaign to head the Conservatives. In 2010, when Cameron became prime minister, he rewarded her by appointing her the interior minister.

One of Theresa’s assistants described her as follows, “Theresa is not going to do anything radical… she’s incredibly risk-averse, a safe pair of hands,” the source said.

May’s hobbies include walking and cooking. She could be very open and enjoys the usual banter among friends and closed ones. Contrary to her classic looks, May is well known for her collection of leopard-print kitten heel shoes.

Born Theresa Brasier, May started her political career in 1986. She majored in geography at Oxford University, and worked at the central bank after her graduation. In 1997, she became a MP Maidenhead.
In 1980, she married Philip May and has no children.

In 2002, she delivered a speech as MP of Conservative party suggesting the Tories were seen as “the nasty party” and needed to overhaul their image.

Due to her strict methods, May was considered by some people as a new Margaret Thatcher.