Across the sea, the Brexit vote that happened in late June continues to make its mark on the British Isles. However, many know little about the person who was elected to succeed David Cameron after an early resignation.
Britain’s somewhat new Prime Minister, Theresa Mary May, has been controlling the political sphere for almost six months now and continues to move forward without hesitation.
On Friday, January 27th, President Trump’s first official visit from a foreign leader happened to be the UK’s second female prime minister. The main purpose of the visit was to demonstrate and build the relationship between these two great power leaders. While many do not know what to expect from the American leader, May has demonstrated strong stances on issues dealing with Russia, the future of NATO, and U.S.-U.K. cooperation on trade, defense, and terrorism.
This relationship between the UK leader and the American leader may be nothing like that of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, who held a special bond and even called each other “Maggie” and “Ronnie”. However, Theresa May demonstrates a workaholic and passionate reputation that mimics that of the former first female Prime Minster, or as Robin Oakley, CNN political contributor states, "the nearest thing you could find in British politics today to Margaret Thatcher.”
I’m what you call a “Thatcherite”, idolizing and valuing the platform that have come to be known as Thatcherism. She was a believer in “free markets and a small state”, wanting government to be less involved in the economy. Thatcher believed that the government should not get involved in people’s lives unless it was for defense reasons. Above all else, Thatcher would defend her home country and her rights as an accomplished (female) leader.
May, while following her own path of ideals, mimics Thatcher in another sense- she too is a leader of female equality. Not the traditional feminist of today, but one that believes in equality for everyone, with the ability to overcome gender barriers and rise to whatever position they want. As an advocate for “freedom feminism,” I recognize that genders are different but equal. It is not a war on femininity or masculinity but rather affirms what everyone desires- freedom, dignity, and liberty.
As the nation witnessed at the press conference, May was not afraid to commit to her ideals and make it clear to Trump that in “no circumstances will she permit Britain to be dragged into facilitating torture.” I admire her brevity and strength. She wants to create bonds between people while putting the problems of her country first. Margaret Thatcher, and others such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony share this same strength that May graciously displayed to the country that afternoon.
And while I cherish the work of Maggie Thatcher, not every political leader can be the next Iron Lady. Thatcher’s legacy was unique, just as every leader’s legacy is unique.
So, who is Theresa May?
Theresa May is a freedom feminist, whose legacy will be determined in the years to come.
