In Thatcher’s footsteps: May to be Brexit PM

Britain’s Prime Minister in waiting Theresa May is a pragmatist who has emerged from the chaos of the Brexit referendum unscarred, portraying herself as the one who will lead the country out of the EU.

The country’s second female leader after fellow Conservative and anti-EU firebrand Margaret Thatcher, Ms May was officially — but unenthusiastically — in favour of Britain staying in the European Union.

She kept a low profile throughout the campaign, and when the June 23 referendum delivered a shock “Leave” result, stepped into the political vacuum left by David Cameron’s decision to quit.

She insists “Brexit means Brexit”.

Although Ms May trounced her rivals for the premiership, she faces an uphill struggle to unite a country and a party deeply split by the referendum.

She has been labelled, in an unguarded moment, a “bloody difficult woman” by senior Conservative Kenneth Clarke.

But the 59-year-old claims this is the very quality which will stand her in good stead for the battles ahead.

“The next person to find that out will be Jean-Claude Juncker,” she reportedly told MPs, referring to Brexit negotiations with the European Commission president.

The 59-year-old will have to keep Leave-supporting Conservative heavyweights onside if she is to heal the splits in the party caused by the referendum.

She has been fiercely private about her life in a way that is unusual for modern politicians.