May to tell activists she is ‘eternally grateful’ to NHS for diabetes care

Theresa May will tell how she is “eternally grateful” to the NHS for the way it has helped her live a normal life after being diagnosed with diabetes.

The Prime Minister will insist the Conservative Party “cares deeply” about public services as she speaks about the impact the state has had on her life.

Addressing Tory activists in central London, Mrs May will make a speech that reflects on her school years as well as her reliance on the health service.

Critics of the government regularly accuse the PM of squeezing public services to breaking point and Labour claimed Mrs May cannot be trusted.

But the premier will tell the Tory party it “must mount a determined effort” to “win and keep” the public’s trust in its management of public services.

In a speech to the Conservative Party Spring Forum, Mrs May will say: “Some people question our motives. They wonder whether we care enough about our NHS and schools.

“Whether we truly respect the people who work in them. And understand that people rely on them.

“Now, I know what our answer would be. Everyone in this party cares deeply about our public services. We use them. Many of us rely on them.”

Mrs May had a varied education that crossed the state and private school sectors. The grammar school she won a place at was turned into a comprehensive while she was still a pupil. The PM went on to read geography at St Hugh’s College, Oxford University.

She will say: “We each have ourownstoryofhowtheyhave been there for us throughout our lives. Mine starts with state schools which helped me to get into a great university and set me on course for a rewarding career.”