Is UK PM May preparing to make way for a successor?

Ivan Delgado Independent Analyst

UK Prime Minister Theresa May, during her recent speech, sounded devasted, with her voice cracking at times, as she digests the underperformance of the Conservative party across the country, with votes still being counted - over 200 seats to go -.

One of the key statements was: "At this time, more than anything else, this country needs a period of stability. And if, as the indications have shown, and this is correct, that the Conservative party has won the most seats, and probably the most votes, then it will be incumbent on us to ensure that we have that period of stability and that is exactly what we will do."

"As we ran this campaign, we set out to consider the issues that are the key priority for the British people: getting the Brexit deal right, ensuring that we both identify and show how we can address the big challenges facing our country, doing what is in the national interest. That is always what I have tried to do in my time as a member of parliament and my resolve to do that is the same this morning as it always has been."

"As we look ahead and wait to see what the final results will be, I know that the country needs a period of stability. And whatever the results are the Conservative party will ensure that we fulfill our duty in ensuring that stability so that we can all, as one country, go forward together."

By mentioning that "whatever the results are..." , May seems to leave the doors open to consider any possible result, including a Labour win.

The Guardian notes: "What was really striking was how May pitched this in terms of what the Conservative party would do, rather than what she would do personally. There was something slightly valedictory about her reference always trying to do what is in the national interest. There was also a curious bit at the start of the speech when she talked about looking forward to continuing to work on improving the constituency. It is likely that May has not taken any final decisions, but she sounded like someone preparing mentally to make way for a successor."

Author

Ivan Delgado

Independent Analyst

Established in the Asian continent since 2009, Ivan studied a degree in Business at the University Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona), while also earning a postgraduate degree in Business Administration.

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