Theresa May Becomes Second Female Prime Minister in British History

For just the second time in its history, the United Kingdom will welcome a female Prime Minister to the stage. Theresa May, who has served as Home Secretary since 2010, will take over for David Cameron, who announced his resignation shortly after the British public voted, against his wishes, to leave the European Union.

Theresa May is an experienced and roundly well-liked political player in the U.K.’s Conservative Party, with strong Christian values to boot. Raised as the only child of an Anglican vicar in Sussex, May has said that her faith “is part of me. It is part of who I am and therefore how I approach things.”

May has served as MP for Maidenhead since 1997. She also served as the first female Chair of the Conservative Party in 2002 and 2003. She will be Britain’s first female Prime Minister since Margaret Thatcher.

Public service, May says, has always been her calling.

“I know some politicians seek high office because they are driven by ideological fervor. I know others seek it for reasons of ambition or glory,” May has been quoted as saying. “My reasons are much simpler. I grew up the daughter of a local vicar and the granddaughter of a regimental sergeant major. Public service has been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember.”

Exactly how May’s leadership will affect the U.K. remains to be seen. She, like Cameron, was opposed to the “Brexit” but plans to move forward as the public has determined.

“Brexit means Brexit and we’re going to make a success of it,” May said.

May is also noted for her commitment to social issues. She has vowed to fight “burning injustices” and establish “a vision of a country that works not just for the privileged few, but that works for every one of us.” Perhaps she might also address the infamous state of British dental care; nearly half (48%) of the population are unhappy with their teeth.

To date, May has maintained a relatively low profile when it comes to her personal life and Christian beliefs. “I think it’s right that we don’t flaunt these things here in British politics,” she’s said. “But [Christianity] is a part of me, it’s there and it obviously helps to frame my thinking and my approach.”