Former Prime Minister to step down at next election, ending 27-year tenure
Former Prime Minister Theresa May has declared her intention to resign as a Member of Parliament at the forthcoming general election. Serving the Maidenhead constituency in Berkshire for over two decades, May’s decision marks the end of an era in British politics. Throughout her tenure, she navigated the complexities of Brexit and made significant strides in public service and women’s representation in the Conservative Party.
At 67, May reflected on her 27 years of dedicated service, expressing pride in her achievements and the honour of representing Maidenhead. Her announcement is part of a broader trend, with a growing number of Conservative MPs, now totalling 64, planning to leave their parliamentary posts.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised May for her relentless dedication and loyalty to her constituents and her embodiment of public service. Similarly, her predecessor, Lord Cameron, lauded her contributions to modernizing the Conservative Party and advocating for women in public roles.
May’s political journey was characterized by her advocacy for more women candidates in winnable seats and her efforts to shake the “nasty party” image of the Conservatives. Her leadership saw the implementation of the “hostile environment” policy, which aimed to deter illegal immigration but later faced criticism during the Windrush scandal.
Brexit dominated May’s premiership, presenting her with her most formidable challenges. Despite internal party conflicts and parliamentary defeats, she remained committed to her vision of a post-Brexit UK. Her attempts to secure a Brexit deal were marked by high-stakes negotiations and political gambles, including a snap election that ultimately weakened her position.
May’s post-premiership years in Parliament were active, with her emerging as a critical voice against her successors, particularly regarding their Brexit and domestic policies. Her commitment to public service continued, focusing on causes such as modern slavery.
As May prepares to leave the political stage, her legacy as a trailblazer for women in politics and a steadfast public servant remains. Her departure, along with that of other veteran MPs, signals a significant shift in the UK’s political landscape, raising questions about the future direction of the Conservative Party and British politics at large.
