Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May to Step Down as MP After 27 Years in Politics

Former British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced her decision to retire as a Member of Parliament at the next general election, concluding her distinguished 27-year political career in the Maidenhead constituency of Berkshire.

May, who served as the Conservative Prime Minister from 2016 to 2019, cited an increasing focus on causes like combating modern slavery as a reason for her departure from active politics.

Among the 64 Conservative MPs stepping down at the upcoming election, notable figures include Matt Hancock, Dominic Raab, Chris Grayling, Ben Wallace, Sajid Javid, and Kwasi Kwarteng.

May, who took office following the Brexit referendum and faced challenges within her party due to her stance on the EU, acknowledged the difficult period she encountered during her tenure, particularly highlighting the turbulent negotiations with Brussels.

Her time in Downing Street was marred by setbacks, such as losing the majority in the House of Commons after a snap election in 2017, and her resignation in 2019 following a vote of no confidence from Conservative MPs.

Despite criticisms of her leadership style, with some labeling it as ‘robotic,’ May remained active in the backbenches post-resignation, where she openly criticized her successor Boris Johnson before his own resignation in 2022.

With the general election expected later this year, May expressed her support for current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party‘s prospects, emphasizing that serving as an MP and minister wouldn’t have been possible without the Maidenhead constituents’ backing.

Colleagues like Gareth Davies expressed sadness over May’s decision to step down, while opposition figures like Anneliese Dodds viewed it as a lack of confidence in Sunak’s leadership, further fueling calls for change and a potential general election.