Theresa May takes (short) break from Brexit with relaxed European summer getaway

Theresa May swapped kitten heels for comfortable Converse trainers as she took an Italian lakeside stroll with husband Philip at the start of their summer holiday.

The Prime Minister, well known for her stylish footwear, stepped out in the £50 white canvas flats for the walk on the shore of fashionable Lake Garda.

The photograph taken in Desenzano del Garda continued the less posed style she has adopted since being in Number 10, in contrast to images released by her predecessor David Cameron when he went away.

She paired her trainers with beige three-quarter length trousers, a white short-sleeved shirt and large square sunglasses for a low-key look as they took in the small resort town that the couple visited last year.

Philip walked beside her wearing dark blue trousers and loafers, with a short-sleeved blue checked shirt and smaller sunglasses.

The couple will spend around a week in Italy before she returns to work in her constituency and Downing Street.

Mrs May is also due to attend a First World War memorial event to mark the battle of Amiens, which began on August 8 1918 and helped to secure victory.

They will then jet off for two weeks in Switzerland. The holiday plans are a repeat of last year's getaway for the couple.

Although the PM remains in charge, a number of Cabinet ministers are expected to deputise for her while she is away.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is not expected to reveal his holiday plans.