PM May shed a ‘little tear’ on losing majority | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

PM May shed a ‘little tear’ on losing majority

Hindustan TImes, London | By
Jul 13, 2017 08:20 PM IST

May told BBC that when her husband, Philip May, told her the exit poll result on the night of June 8, it came as a “complete shock…It took a few minutes to sink in…we didn’t see the result coming.”

After facing ridicule and more for coming across as a robot-like politician during the June election, the human face of Prime Minister Theresa May was turned full on as she admitted she shed a ‘little tear’ on losing not only the election but also her party’s majority.

The prime minister said she did not watch the exit poll herself, as “I have a little bit of superstition about things like that.”(REUTERS)
The prime minister said she did not watch the exit poll herself, as “I have a little bit of superstition about things like that.”(REUTERS)

A leading commentator called her ‘Maybot’, while her oft-repeated phrases such as ‘strong and stable,’ ‘Brexit means Brexit’ and ‘enough is enough’ were lampooned, prompting campaign managers to change course.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

But May told BBC on Thursday that when her husband, Philip May, told her the exit poll result on the night of June 8, it came as a “complete shock…It took a few minutes to sink in…we didn’t see the result coming.”

“My husband gave me a hug," she said, adding that she cried a “little tear”. The prime minister said she did not watch the exit poll herself, as “I have a little bit of superstition about things like that.”

May had called the mid-term election on June 8 in the hope of winning a larger majority than the slender one the Conservatives had won in the 2015 election, but ended up losing it, and having to enter into a controversial coalition with the Democratic Unionist Party to stay in power.

In keeping with the new political reality, May has made conciliatory gestures since, hoping to win support from other parties in parliament for key measures such as the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, which was published on Thursday.

The bill seeks to transpose European law into British law after leaving the European Union, expected in March 2019. The bill is scheduled for  discussion in parliament in the autumn, and is expected to face several amendments from Labour and other parties.

May said in the BBC interview that it was “devastating” to watch people she had worked with for years lose their seats, but added: “I didn't consider stepping down because I felt there was a responsibility to ensure that the country still had a government.”

She said she did not regret calling the election because “I think it was the right thing to do at the time,” but wished she had put across a more positive message during the campaign and, in particular, addressed the concerns of young people.

May said she had increased respect for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was often targeted by the party since his election as leader in 2010. She said she was impressed with the way he had reacted to the terror attack at Finsbury Park in his constituency.

“I saw a Jeremy Corbyn there who was a good constituency MP, working with those people,” she said.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Prasun Sonwalkar was Editor (UK & Europe), Hindustan Times. During more than three decades, he held senior positions on the Desk, besides reporting from India’s north-east and other states, including a decade covering politics from New Delhi. He has been reporting from UK and Europe since 1999.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On