Theresa May, the former British prime minister known for her tumultuous tenure marked by the Brexit battle, has announced her decision to leave Parliament after 27 years as a lawmaker. With the Conservative Party facing a tough battle in the upcoming general election, Mrs. May is among the senior members who have chosen to step down.
Mrs. May, who became Britain’s second female prime minister in 2016, cited her inability to represent her constituents in Maidenhead effectively as the reason for her departure. She mentioned that her focus on causes like tackling modern slavery was taking up more of her time.
During her time in office, Mrs. May faced challenges in navigating the Brexit process, ultimately resigning in 2019 after failing to secure parliamentary support for her deal with the European Union. Her leadership style, often criticized as lackluster, came under scrutiny, with some questioning her ability to connect with the public.
Despite her setbacks, many admired Mrs. May’s determination in trying to navigate the complexities of Brexit and limit its economic impact. However, her decision to call a snap election in 2017, which backfired and led to a loss of majority in Parliament, marked a turning point in her political career.
As Mrs. May prepares to leave Parliament, she expressed her support for the current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and voiced confidence in the Conservative Party’s ability to win the upcoming election. Her departure marks the end of an era for British politics, as one of the few female prime ministers in the country’s history bids farewell to her parliamentary career.