The Predecessor to Boris Johnson
When discussing the recent history of British politics, a common question that arises is: who served as Prime Minister directly before Boris Johnson took office? The answer is Theresa May. Her time as Prime Minister was largely defined by the complex and often tumultuous process of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, commonly known as Brexit. Johnson succeeded May on July 24, 2019, becoming the leader of the Conservative Party and subsequently the Prime Minister.
Theresa May's Tenure
Theresa May became Prime Minister in July 2016, following the unexpected resignation of David Cameron in the wake of the Brexit referendum. Her premiership lasted for three years, marked by intense negotiations with the EU and significant political division within the UK Parliament. She was the second female Prime Minister in British history, following Margaret Thatcher.
May's government focused heavily on delivering Brexit, but struggled to gain sufficient parliamentary support for her proposed withdrawal agreement. Despite multiple attempts, her deal was repeatedly defeated in the House of Commons. This persistent deadlock ultimately led to her resignation in June 2019. Her key policy objectives included not only Brexit but also addressing social injustices and strengthening national security.
Key Events During May's Premiership
Several significant events punctuated Theresa May's time as Prime Minister:
- The 2017 General Election: Called unexpectedly in April 2017, this election saw the Conservative Party lose its overall majority, forcing May to govern in coalition with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of Northern Ireland. This weakened her authority and complicated Brexit negotiations.
- Brexit Negotiations: The entirety of her premiership was consumed by the intricate and challenging negotiations with the European Union regarding the terms of the UK's departure. This involved complex issues such as citizens' rights, the Irish border, and financial settlements.
- Terrorist Attacks: May's government had to respond to several major terrorist attacks in the UK, including the Westminster Bridge attack, the Manchester Arena bombing, and the London Bridge attack, all occurring in 2017.
- Chequers Plan: In July 2018, May's government published its White Paper, known as the Chequers plan, outlining a proposed future relationship with the EU. However, it faced criticism from both sides of the Brexit debate and ultimately failed to secure parliamentary backing.
- Resignation: Facing an insurmountable parliamentary impasse on her Brexit deal and pressure from within her own party, Theresa May announced her resignation on May 24, 2019, triggering a Conservative leadership contest.
The Path to Boris Johnson
Following Theresa May's resignation, a leadership contest took place within the Conservative Party. Boris Johnson emerged as the leading candidate, campaigning on a promise to "Get Brexit Done" and deliver the UK's withdrawal from the European Union by the October 31, 2019 deadline. He secured a decisive victory in the leadership election and was formally appointed Prime Minister by Queen Elizabeth II on July 24, 2019, marking the end of May's premiership and the beginning of his own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was the Prime Minister of the UK before Theresa May? A: David Cameron was the Prime Minister before Theresa May. He resigned following the UK's vote to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum.
Q: When did Theresa May become Prime Minister? A: Theresa May became Prime Minister on July 13, 2016.
Q: What was Theresa May's main political focus? A: Theresa May's premiership was predominantly focused on negotiating and delivering Brexit, alongside addressing social justice issues and national security.
Q: When did Boris Johnson become Prime Minister? A: Boris Johnson became Prime Minister on July 24, 2019.
Conclusion
Theresa May served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom immediately preceding Boris Johnson. Her tenure, from 2016 to 2019, was largely dominated by the complexities of Brexit. Upon her resignation, Boris Johnson took over, inheriting the ongoing challenges of the UK's departure from the EU and continuing the political narrative.
