'Politics Can Be Brutal': Theresa May on Power and Populism | Leaders with Francine Lacqua

Key Concepts

• Brexit: The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union and its subsequent political and economic ramifications.
• Leadership & Decision-Making: The challenges and complexities of leading in a crisis, balancing conviction with pragmatism, and knowing when to step down.
• National Security & Counter-Terrorism: The responsibilities of a Home Secretary and Prime Minister in addressing threats to national security, including terrorism and state-sponsored attacks.
• Political Polarization & Populism: The rise of populist movements, the impact of social media on political discourse, and the challenges of maintaining consensus in a divided political landscape.
• Gender & Politics: The differing approaches of men and women in pursuing political ambition and the challenges faced by women in leadership roles.
• Integrity & Economic Competence: The importance of these qualities in government and the perception of their decline in contemporary politics.
• Multilateralism: The importance of international cooperation and the need to reform existing multilateral institutions.

The Political Life and Reflections of Theresa May

Early Life & Political Ambition

Theresa May’s interest in politics began at a young age, around 12 or 13, driven by a desire “to make a difference” and improve people’s lives. Her path began with local council work before entering Parliament as the MP for Maidenhead in the late 1990s, following a career at the Bank of England. Notably, she observed a difference in ambition between men and women, stating that men often proactively plan their political ascent ("I'm going to be prime minister by the age of 25…"), while women tend to wait for encouragement ("have I got the skills? Am I able to do it? And wait for somebody to say to them, I think you could."). This highlights a perceived societal difference in self-promotion and confidence.

Parliamentary Career & Rise to Home Secretary

May distinguished herself within Parliament by prioritizing work over social networking, rejecting the traditional “dining clubs” and socialising often associated with political advancement. She viewed being an MP as a “huge privilege” and a job to be taken seriously, focused on serving the public. After 13 years in opposition, including 11 in the Shadow Cabinet, she became Home Secretary in 2010, following the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government. This role, the longest continuous tenure since 1951, presented a steep learning curve, particularly regarding security issues. The Home Secretary’s responsibilities encompass national security, immigration, counterterrorism, and policing.

Challenges as Home Secretary: Security & Terrorism

As Home Secretary, May faced significant challenges related to national security, including responding to threats from Al-Qaeda and the emergence of ISIS. She oversaw the thwarting of numerous terrorist attacks, including plots targeting the London Stock Exchange. A particularly difficult moment was dealing with the aftermath of terrorist incidents, acknowledging the emotional toll of such tragedies. The Salisbury poisoning incident, involving the nerve agent Novichok and attributed to Russian state actors, was a defining moment, requiring a firm stance against Russia, exemplified by a “tough handshake and stare” with President Putin. She emphasized the importance of confronting leaders with whom one disagrees, even when it involves a British citizen’s death.

Prime Ministership & the Brexit Dilemma

Following David Cameron’s resignation after the 2016 Brexit referendum, May became Prime Minister, accepting the mandate to deliver on the referendum result despite having campaigned to remain in the EU. Her approach was to seek a Brexit deal that would “bring the two sides together,” addressing concerns of both Leavers and Remainers. However, her premiership was largely defined by the complexities and divisions surrounding Brexit. She faced significant opposition within her own party, leading to a lack of confidence and ultimately, her resignation. She acknowledged the difficulty of holding firm to one’s course amidst domestic and international pressures. A key regret was not spending more time engaging with MPs on both sides of the Brexit debate, questioning whether increased dialogue could have yielded a different outcome.

Leadership & the Burden of Decision-Making

May reflected on the isolating nature of leadership, stating that as a leader, one must be prepared for constant demands and the need to keep certain matters confidential ("one of the things I had to do was to learn about the things that I had to forget"). She described the constant pressure and the need to respond to crises, noting that “virtually every day brings tough moments.” She also discussed the difficulty of knowing when to step down, recognizing that circumstances can force that decision. She emphasized that government spending must be approached responsibly, acknowledging that “the money is not infinite.”

Contemporary Political Landscape & Future Challenges

May expressed concern about the decline of trust in politicians and the rise of populism, attributing this partly to the impact of social media. She noted that social media amplifies extreme views and creates echo chambers, making compromise more difficult. She warned against a world dominated by “strongmen” and emphasized the need to reform multilateral institutions to address contemporary challenges. She also acknowledged the growing cynicism among young people regarding democracy and the need for politicians to deliver for them. She observed a shift to the right within the Conservative Party and the increasing influence of parties like Reform UK, driven by anxieties and a desire for change. She believes a center-right party still has a role to play, but cautioned against the economic incoherence of some populist platforms.

Notable Quotes

• “I think one of the differences, certainly of my generation, probably still to a certain extent, is that men will often sort of map out, right, I'm going to be prime minister by the age of 25… and here's how I'm going to do it. Whereas women tend to think, have I got the skills? Am I able to do it? And wait for somebody to say to them, I think you could.” – Theresa May, on gender differences in political ambition.
• “You mustn't let yourself miss it too much otherwise it would, it would get to you.” – Theresa May, on leaving office.
• “It’s not just about what is happening today, but how, how difficult is it to lead with calmness in a world that feels like chaos?” – Theresa May, on the challenges of modern leadership.
• “Governments must always remember it's not their money, it's the taxpayer's money that's being spent.” – Theresa May, on fiscal responsibility.

Synthesis & Conclusion

Theresa May’s reflections offer a candid insight into the realities of political leadership, particularly during a period of unprecedented upheaval with Brexit. Her career demonstrates a commitment to public service, a pragmatic approach to governance, and a willingness to confront difficult challenges. She highlights the complexities of navigating political divisions, the burdens of decision-making, and the importance of integrity and economic competence. Her observations on the changing political landscape, the rise of populism, and the impact of social media provide a valuable perspective on the challenges facing democracies today. Ultimately, her narrative underscores the demanding nature of leadership and the constant need to balance conviction with pragmatism in a rapidly changing world.