Nominally a supporter of Remain, Theresa May's only notable contribution to the 2016 EU referendum campaign was a speech casting doubt on the economic claims of Prime Minister Cameron and Chancellor Osborne. Positioning herself as an acceptable compromise candidate to both sides, she obtained sufficient support once Boris Johnson and Michael Gove had destroyed each other’s chances. Vowing to be the Prime Minister capable of delivering Brexit, she found the task beyond her.
But were there mitigating circumstances? The loss of her parliamentary majority made it impossible to pass legislation on Brexit. And the EU, hoping that Brexit would be reversed, was obstructive of her diplomatic efforts, notably chief negotiator Michel Barnier. Removed by her colleagues, Theresa May’s tenure in No. 10 was brutally cut short.
This lecture is part of the 'One-Term Prime Ministers: Their Reputations Revised?' lecture series, taking place on Fridays from 30th January 2026 to the 6th March 2026. You may either register for individual lectures or the entire lecture series at a reduced price.
This Lecture will close to enrolments at 23:59 GMT on 3 March 2026.