Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May Announces Retirement From UK Parliament After 27 Years
In a significant announcement, former British Prime Minister Theresa May disclosed that she will not be contesting in the upcoming general election, drawing the curtain on a 27-year career in the UK Parliament. May, who served as the MP for Maidenhead, shared her decision to stand down on Friday, expressing her intention to focus on advocating for causes close to her heart, particularly the fight against modern slavery.
In a statement provided to the Maidenhead Advertiser, May explained, “Since stepping down as prime minister, I have enjoyed being a backbencher again. I am having more time to work for my constituents and champion causes close to my heart, including most recently launching a Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. These causes have been taking an increasing amount of my time.”
The 67-year-old May, who was initially elected as MP for Maidenhead in 1997, had a distinguished political career, serving as the Home Secretary under David Cameron from 2010 to 2016 before succeeding him as the Prime Minister. Her tenure in Downing Street, spanning three tumultuous years, was largely dominated by the complexities of Brexit negotiations.
May faced a challenging snap election in 2017, resulting in the loss of her majority. However, she managed to hold onto Number 10 through a coalition with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in the hung parliament that followed.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Maidenhead’s MP, May affirmed her commitment to continue working for her constituents until the upcoming general election, anticipated in the second half of this year. She pledged support for the Conservative Party and the current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, expressing her belief in their potential to secure victory in the election.
May concluded, “I would like to thank all those who chose me to represent them as their member of parliament.” Her retirement marks the end of an era in British politics, leaving behind a legacy defined by her leadership during the intricate Brexit negotiations and unwavering commitment to public service.
