Westminster bids farewell to Theresa May, Britain’s second female prime minister, whose tenure was overshadowed by the tumultuous Conservative Party infighting over Europe.
Upon assuming office in 2016, May appeared poised for success with a united party, a supportive electorate, and a wealth of experience. However, her legacy will largely be defined by her failure to deliver Brexit.
Upon entering No. 10 Downing Street in the aftermath of the 2016 referendum, May made resolving Brexit her primary mission. Despite being elected unanimously by her party’s MPs, she struggled to navigate the complexities of the issue.
Theresa May (Credits: Euronews.com)
May’s personal stance on Brexit was somewhat ambiguous; although she ultimately supported remaining in the EU, she lacked strong ideological convictions in the divisive Brexit debates. This left her ill-equipped to navigate the tumultuous political landscape, where Parliament descended into chaos and deadlock.
Despite painstakingly negotiating deals with EU leaders, May faced relentless opposition from MPs who repeatedly rejected her proposals without offering viable alternatives. This impasse ultimately proved insurmountable for her leadership.
It was only after May stepped down and Boris Johnson assumed office that Brexit was finally resolved. May’s departure marked the end of an era characterized by political upheaval and uncertainty surrounding Britain’s relationship with the EU.
