Theresa May: 5 things to know about likely new U.K. leader
Britain's Home Secretary Theresa May launched her bid on Thursday to succeed David Cameron as leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister.
"My pitch is simple - I’m Theresa May and I think I’m the best person to lead this country," May, 59, said, throwing her hat into the ring for Tory leadership. If May succeeds, she would be the second female prime minster. Margaret Thatcher led the country from 1979 to 1990.
Here are five things to know about the new favorite to lead the United Kingdom:
Her beginnings
May was born in Eastbourne, Sussex, on the southeast coast of England, and attended Oxford University where she studied geography.
“I grew up the daughter of a local vicar and the granddaughter of a regimental sergeant major,” May said as she announced her candidacy.
May worked at the Bank of England and Association for Payment Clearing Services before becoming a Member of Parliament.
Her political career
She was elected to parliament in 1997.
From 1999 to 2010, she was a member of the Shadow Cabinet — the opposition party posts that correspond to the governing party's ministers, Labour members at the time. Her shadow positions included Secretary of State for Education and Employment, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Leader of the House of Commons.
From 2002 to 2003, she was the first female chairman of the Conservative Party.
After the Conservatives took charge of the government in 2010, May was appointed Home Secretary, in charge of internal affairs of England and Wales and immigration, national security and citizenship for the U.K.
May is the longest serving official in this post in over 50 years.
Her policy priorities
May, who describes herself as 'not a showy politician,' aims to fight crime more effectively, secure Britain's borders, reduce immigration and protect the U.K. from terrorism.
Her view on Brexit
May, who campaigned for the U.K. to remain in the EU, has ruled out a second referendum on leaving the alliance.
She also has promised not to hold a general election this fall, which would essentially delay the Brexit process and be welcomed by the EU, according to the The Telegraph.
Her personality
May has a reputation as "sober, determined and straightforward, but also sometimes cold and analytical," the Wall Street Journal reported.
"If the worst thing critics can say about Theresa May is that she’s austere and dreary, that’s fine with me. She’s got staying power, a steady hand, and exudes calm," said Janet Street-Porter, The Independent's editor-at-large.