Theresa May

Theresa May (née Brasier, born 1st October 1956) has been the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since 13th July 2016, and leader of the Conservative Party of the United Kingdom since 11th July 2016. She was previously Home Secretary (responsible for internal affairs) from 2010. Prior to this role, she held various positions in the government and Opposition from 1999. She has been the Member of Parliament for Maidenhead since 1997. In June 2016, she became a contender for the leadership of her party and the role of Prime Minister, but won by default on 11th July 2016 when her only remaining opponent withdrew.

May was born Theresa Mary Brasier in Eastbourne, Sussex, daughter of a clergyman, and read geography at Oxford University. She later worked for the Bank of England (1985-1997) and as a local councillor in the London Borough of Merton (1986-1994).

May is only the second woman to hold the office of Prime Minister of the UK. Her first cabinet equalled the Blair government's record of 8 women out of 23, and for the first time 2 of the 4 most senior posts are held by women.