A look back at Mrs May’s memorable moments as she leaves Downing Street

Theresa May heads out of Downing Street as Prime Minister for the last time on Wednesday just over three years after she arrived.

Here we look back at some of the memorable moments in Mrs May’s 1,106-day premiership.

In January 2017, Mrs May rushed to be the first world leader to meet Donald Trump at the White House after his inauguration.

Theresa May and Donald Trump hold hands as they walk along the White House Colonnade
Theresa May and Donald Trump hold hands as they walk along the White House Colonnade

The couple seemed to hit it off, with Mr Trump even holding Mrs May’s hand as they strolled through the White House garden.

But her attempts to find a post-Brexit ally ultimately backfired as Mr Trump became increasingly critical of her strategy for dealing with Brussels.

The wacky Ambassador that the U.K. foisted upon the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy. He should speak to his country, and Prime Minister May, about their failed Brexit negotiation, and not be upset with my criticism of how badly it was…

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2019

On April 18 2017, Mrs May called a snap election, saying Britain needed “strong and stable” leadership following the EU referendum.

The gamble failed spectacularly and the election left her without an overall majority and reliant on a deal with the Democratic Unionist Party to stay in office.

General Election 2017 aftermath
General Election 2017 aftermath

A few months later, she delivered one of the most memorable leader’s speeches at the Tory Party conference in Manchester – though it was memorable for the wrong reasons.

While on stage she was handed a P45 by a comedian and almost lost her voice to a persistent cough. Her speech ended with letters falling off the backdrop behind her.

Conservative Party Conference 2017
Conservative Party Conference 2017

Her October 2018 conference speech went much better, particularly after she danced on to the stage, alluding to a trip to Africa in August that year when she twice joined in with children who had been dancing during her visits.

Theresa May picture gallery
Theresa May picture gallery
Theresa May trip to Africa
Theresa May trip to Africa

But the election result had left her engaged in a day-by-day battle to force her agenda through and maintain the fragile unity of her Government.

Despite those difficulties she did eventually reach a Brexit deal with Brussels in November 2018.

Brexit
Brexit

The Prime Minister said the deal “delivered for the British people” and urged both Leave and Remain voters to unite.

Brexit
Brexit

But her own party ignored that plea and after a series of ministerial resignations – she set a new record for losing ministers during her three years – her Withdrawal Agreement was defeated by a record-breaking 230 votes on January 15 2019.

Brexit
Brexit

Mrs May continued valiantly with her efforts to get the deal through Parliament but eventually admitted defeat, announcing in a tearful speech in Downing Street that she had “done all she can”.

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