May pledges to lead country through ‘challenging times’
THERESA MAY has spoken of her determination to lead the country through the “challenging times” ahead amid growing speculation of an imminent Tory leadership challenge.
The Prime Minister will face a key test of her authority tomorrow as she sets out her Government’s legislative agenda in a Queen’s Speech that will cover the next two years.
Downing Street has expressed confidence that the speech will secure “sufficient support” in the Commons to pass, despite Mrs May’s failure to finalise a deal with the DUP. But even if she overcomes this crucial hurdle, successors are already reported to be lining up to replace her in anticipation of a contest being triggered within weeks.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman was forced to defend her leadership in response to sustained criticism of Mrs May’s performance in the weeks following the General Election.
A poll carried out amid the fall-out from the Grenfell tower block fire and ongoing talks between the Government and DUP puts Labour three points ahead of the Tories, with almost half of respondents saying Mrs May should resign.
But asked whether the Prime Minister has considered resigning in light of these events, a Downing Street spokesman appeared to dismiss the suggestion, as she pointed to Mrs May’s continued involvement in the Grenfell taskforce and decision to proceed with the Queen’s Speech on Wednesday as evidence of her leadership abilities.
“These are incredibly challenging times, with two terrible incidents in recent weeks, and [the Prime Minister] is leading the country through them,” they said.
However, it was reported over the weekend that Brexiteers within the Conservative Party are lining up to force a leadership contest if there is any sign of the Government backsliding on plans to leave the Single Market and jurisdiction of the European Courts. Other members are supposedly giving Mrs May 10 days to prove herself, with all eyes on next week’s Commons vote on the Queen’s Speech.
The speech itself is expected to be minimalist in terms of detail and new commitments – both to avoid opposition and allow for the legislative burden of Brexit. However, it will include a commitment to legislating for phase two of HS2, which will connect the Midlands to the North West.
A Downing Street spokesman. The Prime Minister is leading the country through these times.