Theresa May: 'It takes two men to step into the shoes of one woman' and nine other defining quotes

Ms May is set to replace David Cameron as the second female Prime Minister within days

(PA)

After a few turbulent weeks for Britain and amid resignations, surprise drop-outs and much political wrangling, Theresa May appears set to become the second woman to serve as Britain's Prime Minister.

Her rival Andrea Leadsom pulled out of the Conservative leadership race this morning, paving the way for Ms May to succeed David Cameron.

As the Home Secretary, she is known as a steely politician who has thus far survived in a system renowned for chewing others up and spitting them back out. Throughout her career, Ms May has endured every interview being prefaced by the inevitable comment about her clothes and/or shoes and suggestions she somehow uses both to convey a political message.

The self-described “Goody Two Shoes” of Westminster has attempted to present herself as the candidate who will eschew the gossiping and avoid the bars frequented by some members of the political establishment to focus her energies on delivering the Tory vision.

Ms May is also known for being resolutely private about her personal life. In interviews, she often steers clear of giving much away about herself. But, even so, some of her quotes have proved more telling than others.

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