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{{For|the British glamour model|Teresa May}}
#REDIRECT [[Teresa May]]
{{POV|date=October 2011}}
{{BLP sources|date=May 2010}}<!-- Citations being added, under construction. Removed the earliest of her positions from the infobox to free up room for future positions -->
{{Infobox officeholder
|honorific-prefix = <small>[[Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council#Rights and privileges of members|The Right Honourable]]</small><br />
|name = Theresa May
|honorific-suffix = <br><small>[[Member of Parliament|MP]]</small>
|image = Theresa May - Home Secretary and minister for women and equality.jpg
|office = [[Home Secretary]]
|primeminister = [[David Cameron]]
|term_start = 12 May 2010
|term_end =
|predecessor = [[Alan Johnson]]
|successor =
|office2 = [[Minister for Women and Equalities]]
|primeminister2 = [[David Cameron]]
|term_start2 = 12 May 2010
|term_end2 =
|predecessor2 = [[Harriet Harman]] <small>(Women and Equality)</small>
|successor2 =
|office3 = [[Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions]]
|leader3 = [[David Cameron]]
|term_start3 = 19 January 2009
|term_end3 = 11 May 2010
|predecessor3 = [[Chris Grayling]]
|successor3 = [[Yvette Cooper]]
|office4 = [[Shadow Leader of the House of Commons]]
|leader4 = [[David Cameron]]
|term_start4 = 6 December 2005
|term_end4 = 19 January 2009
|predecessor4 = [[Chris Grayling]]
|successor4 = [[Alan Duncan]]
|office5 = [[Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport]]
|leader5 = [[Michael Howard]]
|term_start5 = 6 May 2005
|term_end5 = 6 December 2005
|predecessor5 = [[John Whittingdale]]
|successor5 = [[Hugo Swire]]
|office6 = [[Shadow Secretary of State for the Family]]
|leader6 = [[Michael Howard]]
|term_start6 = 19 June 2004
|term_end6 = 6 December 2005
|predecessor6 = Position established
|successor6 = Position abolished
|office7 = [[Shadow Secretary of State for Transport and the Environment]]
|leader7 = [[Michael Howard]]
|term_start7 = 6 November 2003
|term_end7 = 19 June 2004
|predecessor7 = [[Tim Collins (politician)|Tim Collins]] <small>(at Transport)</small><br>[[David Lidington]] <small>(at Environment)</small>
|successor7 = [[Tim Yeo]]
|office8 = [[Chairman of the Conservative Party]]
|leader8 = [[Iain Duncan Smith]]
|term_start8 = 23 July 2002
|term_end8 = 6 November 2003
|predecessor8 = [[David Davis (British politician)|David Davis]]
|successor8 = [[Liam Fox]] ''and'' [[Maurice Saatchi, Baron Saatchi|The Lord Saatchi]]
|office9 = [[Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions]]
|leader9 = [[Iain Duncan Smith]]
|term_start9 = 18 September 2001
|term_end9 = 23 July 2002
|predecessor9 = [[Archie Norman]]
|successor9 = [[Damian Green]]
|office11 = [[Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Employment]]
|leader11 = [[William Hague]]
|term_start11 = 15 June 1999
|term_end11 = 18 September 2001
|predecessor11 = [[David Willetts]]
|successor11 = [[Damian Green]]
|office12 = [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] <br> for [[Maidenhead (UK Parliament constituency)|Maidenhead]]
|term_start12 = 1 May 1997
|term_end12 =
|predecessor12 = Constituency created
|successor12 =
|majority12 = 16,769 (31.2%)
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|10|1|df=y}}
|birth_place = [[Eastbourne]], [[Sussex]], [[England]]
|death_date =
|death_place =
|party = [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]]
|spouse = Philip May

|alma_mater = [[St Hugh's College]], [[University of Oxford]]
|religion = [[Church of England]]
}}

'''Theresa Mary May''' ([[Married and maiden names|née]] '''Brasier''', born 1 October 1956) is a British [[Conservative Party (United Kingdom)|Conservative]] politician who is [[Home Secretary]] in the [[Conservative – Liberal Democrat Coalition Agreement|Conservative – Liberal Democrat Coalition]] government. She was elected to Parliament in 1997 as the [[Maidenhead (UK Parliament constituency)|Member of Parliament for Maidenhead]], and served as the [[Chairman of the Conservative Party]], 2003–04. Appointed to the [[Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council|Privy Council]] in 2003, she became Shadow [[Secretary of State for Work and Pensions]] and Shadow Minister for Women before being appointed [[Home Secretary]] and the [[Minister for Women and Equality]] in [[David Cameron]]'s [[Cabinet of the United Kingdom#Current Cabinet|Cabinet]] on 11 May 2010.

==Early life, education and career==
May was born 1 October 1956 in [[Eastbourne]], [[Sussex]]. She is the daughter of Rev. Hubert Brasier, a [[Church of England]] clergyman and Mrs Zaidee Brasier.<ref>{{cite book|title=The International Who's Who|year=2004|publisher=Europa Publications|page=1114}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/news/vote2001/hi/english/key_people/newsid_1179000/1179350.stm|title=Vote 2001:Key People Theresa May Education and Employment|last=Davies|first=Ben|date=22 May 2001|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=20 October 2010}}</ref> Her education was completed at a combination of state primary, independent convent and state secondary schools. She initially attended Heythrop Primary School, Oxfordshire,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/education/2000/first_day/741078.stm|title=Screaming arrival|date=8 May 2000|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=20 October 2010}}</ref> followed by St. Juliana's Convent School for Girls, a Roman Catholic [[independent school]] in [[Begbroke]], which closed in 1984. At the age of 13, she gained a place at the former Holton Park Girls' Grammar School in [[Wheatley, Oxfordshire|Wheatley]] in Oxfordshire. In 1971, the school was abolished and became the site of the new [[Wheatley Park School|Wheatley Park Comprehensive School]] during her time as a pupil.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/community/memorylane/4424685.Girls_were_taught_in_idyllic_surroundings_at_Holton_Park/|title=Girls were taught in idyllic surroundings at Holton Park|date=8 June 2009|work=Oxford Mail|accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref> May then attended the [[University of Oxford]] where she read Geography at [[St Hugh's College, Oxford|St Hugh's College]], taking a BA (Hons) in 1977.

From 1977 to 1983 May worked at the [[Bank of England]], and from 1985 to 1997, as a financial consultant and senior advisor in International Affairs at the [[UKPA|Association for Payment Clearing Services]]. She was a councillor in the [[London Borough of Merton]] from 1986 to 1994, where she was Chairman of Education (1988–90) and Deputy Group Leader and Housing Spokesman (1992–94). In the [[United Kingdom general election, 1992|1992 general election]] May stood (and lost) in the safe Labour seat of [[North West Durham (UK Parliament constituency)|North West Durham]] and then unsuccessfully contested the [[Barking by-election, 1994|1994 Barking by-election]]. In the [[United Kingdom general election, 1997|1997 general election]] May was elected the Conservative MP for [[Maidenhead (UK Parliament constituency)|Maidenhead]] which extends as far west as the village of Sonning on the East side of Reading where she lives.

==Member of Parliament==
Having entered Parliament May became a member of [[William Hague]]'s front-bench Opposition team as Shadow Spokesman for Schools, Disabled People and Women (1998 – June 1999). May became the first of the 1997 MPs to enter the [[Shadow Cabinet]] when in 1999 she was appointed Shadow Education and Employment Secretary. After the [[United Kingdom general election, 2001|2001 election]] the new Conservative leader [[Iain Duncan Smith]] retained her services in the Shadow Cabinet, moving her to the Transport portfolio.

May was appointed the first female [[chairman of the Conservative Party]] in July 2002. During her speech at the 2002 Conservative Party Conference while making a point about why her party must change, May controversially stated that the Conservatives were currently perceived as the "nasty party". In 2003, she was sworn of the [[Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council|Privy Council]]. On the election of [[Michael Howard]] as Conservative leader, he made May Shadow [[Secretary of State for Transport]] in November that year<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3255441.stm|title=Howard unveils his top team|date=10 November 2003|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=9 June 2011}}</ref> and [[Secretary of State for the Environment|the Environment]]. However in June 2004 she was moved to the new position of Shadow Secretary of State for the Family. After the [[United Kingdom general election, 2005|2005 election]] May's portfolio was expanded and she became Shadow [[Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport]] whilst remaining Shadow Secretary of State for the Family. [[David Cameron]] appointed her [[Shadow Leader of the House of Commons]] in December 2005 after his accession to the leadership. In January 2009 May was made Shadow [[Secretary of State for Work and Pensions]].

On 6 May 2010, Theresa May was re-elected as MP for Maidenhead with an increased majority of 16,769 — 60 per cent of the vote. This follows an earlier failed attempt to unseat her in 2005 as one of the targets of the Liberal Democrats' "decapitation" strategy.

==Home Secretary==
===May 2010 to date===
[[File:David Cameron's visit2.jpg|left|thumb|200px|May with [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] [[David Cameron]].]]
On 12 May 2010, May was appointed [[Home Secretary]] and Minister for Women and Equality by the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]], [[David Cameron]] as part of his first cabinet. May becoming the fourth woman to hold one of the [[Great Offices of State]], after (in order of seniority) [[Margaret Thatcher]] ([[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]]), [[Margaret Beckett]] ([[Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs|Foreign Secretary]]) and [[Jacqui Smith]] ([[Home Secretary]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-flies-the-flag-for-women-in-government-1971727.html |title=Theresa May flies the flag for women in Government – UK Politics, UK |work=The Independent |date=12 May 2010 |accessdate=16 September 2010}}</ref> May's debut as Home Secretary involved overturning several of the previous Labour government's measures on data collection and surveillance in England and Wales. She proposed the abolition of the previous Labour government's [[National Identity Card]] and database scheme under the [[Identity Documents Bill 2010]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/identity-cards-to-be-scrapped-within-100-days-1984447.html|title=Identity cards to be scrapped within 100 days|date=27 May 2010|work=The Independent|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8679072.stm|title=Identity cards set to be scrapped|date=12 May 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref> and reform on the regulations on the retention of DNA samples for suspects and controls on the use of [[CCTV]] cameras. On 20 May 2010, May announced the adjournment of the deportation to the USA of alleged computer hacker [[Gary McKinnon]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article7131780.ece|title=Pentagon hacker Gary McKinnon wins extradition reprieve|last=Sugden|first=Joanna|date=21 May 2010|work=Times Online|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref> She also suspended the registration scheme for carers of children and vulnerable people.<ref>{{cite news|last=Coughlan |first=Sean |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/10314055.stm |title=Child abuse vetting scheme cancelled as 'draconian' |publisher=BBC| work=BBC News Online|date=15 June 2010 |accessdate=16 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/press-releases/Vetting-barring-scheme |title=Vetting and Barring Scheme registration halted |publisher=Home Office |date=15 June 2010 |accessdate=16 September 2010}}</ref> On 4 August 2010, ''[[The Independent]]'' reported that May was scrapping the former Labour government's proposed "go orders" scheme to protect women from domestic violence by banning abusers from the victim's home.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-scraps-power-to-ban-domestic-abusers-from-victims-homes-2042596.html|title=Theresa May scraps power to band domestic abusers from victims' homes|date=4 August 2010|work=The Independent|accessdate=4 August 2010}}</ref> The same newspaper reported that this was followed on 6 August 2010 by the closure of the former Labour government's "[[ContactPoint]]" database of 11 million under 18 year olds designed to protect children in the wake of the [[Victoria Climbie]] child abuse scandal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/child-database-scrapped-2045089.html|title=Child database scrapped|date=6 August 2010|work=The Independent|accessdate=6 August 2010}}</ref>

On 2 June 2010, May faced her first major national security incident as Home Secretary with the [[Cumbria shootings]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/home-secretary-cumbria-statement|title=Home Secretary makes statement on events in Cumbria|date=2 June 2010|publisher=Home Office|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/10219655.stm|title=Gunman kills 12 people in Cumbria rampage|date=2 June 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref> May made her first major speech as Home Secretary in a statement on the incident to the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/politics/10225885.stm|title=Theresa May updating MPs on Cumbria shootings|date=3 June 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref> later visiting the victims with Prime Minister, David Cameron.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/10234062.stm|title=Cameron visit after gun killings|date=4 June 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/7802988/Cumbria-shootings-David-Cameron-meets-survivors-of-Derrick-Birds-rampage.html|title=Cumbria shootings|date=4 June 2010|work=Daily Telegraph|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref> Also in June 2010, May banned the Indian Muslim preacher [[Zakir Naik]] from entering the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10349564.stm|title=Indian preacher Zakir Naik is banned from UK|publisher=BBC|work=BBC News Online|date=18 June 2010|accessdate=18 June 2010}}</ref> As a result two Home Office officials who have disagreed with May's exclusion of Zakir Naik from Britain have been suspended from work.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/7923005/Tory-MPs-say-Home-Office-officials-who-disagree-with-Zakir-Naik-ban-should-quit.html|title=Home Officials Should Quit|work=The Telegraph|date=3 August 2010|accessdate=3 August 2010 | location=London | first=Christopher | last=Hope}}</ref> In late June 2010, May announced plans for a temporary cap on UK visas for non-EU migrants.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-to-press-ahead-with-cap-on-migration-2011128.html|title=Theresa May to press ahead with cap on migration|date=26 June 2010|work=The Independent|accessdate=26 June 2010}}</ref> The move raised concerns on the curb's impact on the UK economy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10422895.stm|title=Interim cap on non-EU migrant workers coming to UK|date=26 June 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=20 October 2010}}</ref> Speaking at the [[Association of Chief Police Officers]] (ACPO) conference on 29 June 2010, May announced radical cuts to the Home Office budget which are likely to mean a reduction in police numbers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10453370.stm|title=Police must do more|date=29 June 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=29 June 2010}}</ref> In July 2010, it was reported that May had corresponded with Kate and Gerry McCann, the parents of the missing child [[Madeleine McCann]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicester/10502235.stm|title=Parents of Madeleine McCann to meet Home Secretary|date=4 July 2010|work=BBC News Online Leicester|publisher=BBC|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref> In August 2010, May attended a private meeting with Mr and Mrs McCann to discuss the case.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-10894036|title=Parents of Madeleine McCann meet Home Secretary|date=6 August 2010|work=BBC News Online Leicester|publisher=BBC|accessdate=21 August 2010}}</ref>

In July 2010, May presented the House of Commons with her detailed proposals for a fundamental review of the previous Labour Party government's security and counter-terrorism legislation including "stop and search" powers and her intention to review the 28 day limit on detaining terrorist suspects without charge.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/politics/10619419.stm|title=Counter-terrorism measures to face government review|date=13 July 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=14 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/house_of_commons/newsid_8815000/8815378.stm|title=May announces scope of anti-terror law review|date=13 July 2010|work=BBC Democracy Live|publisher=BBC|accessdate=14 July 2010}}</ref> The repeals were condemned by the Opposition Labour Shadow Home Secretary [[Alan Johnson]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1294415/Bonfire-Big-Brother-state-Coalition-unveils-drastic-review-New-Labours-attack-civil-liberties.html|title=Bonfire of the Big Brother state|date=13 July 2010|work=Daily Mail Online|accessdate=14 July 2010}}</ref> In mid-July 2010, May oversaw a second major gun incident in the North of England with an unsuccessful week-long police operation to capture and arrest [[Raoul Moat]], an ex-convict who shot three people, killing one. The suspect later shot himself dead.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10584042|title=Shot Pc David Rathband 'bears no malice' to Raoul Moat|date=10 July 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/the-violent-life-and-death-of-raoul-moat-ndash-and-what-we-have-learned-since-2029216.html|title=The violent life and death of Raoul Moat|date=18 July 2010|work=The Independent|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> During the incident, Moat was shot with a long-range [[taser]]. It later transpired that the firm supplying the taser, Pro-Tect, was in breach of its licence by supplying the police directly with the weapon. Its licence was revoked by the Home Office after the Moat shooting. On 1 October 2010, the BBC reported that the director of the company, Peter Boatman, had apparently killed himself over the incident.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-11455884|title=Raoul Moat Taser company man kills himself|date=1 October 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref>

In August 2010, May banned the [[English Defence League]] from holding marches in [[Bradford]], West Yorkshire planned for Saturday 28 August. The EDL protested the ban claiming they planned a 'peaceful demonstration'.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bradford-west-yorkshire-11041289|title=Home Secretary band Bradford marches|date=20 August 2010|work=BBC News Online Bradford|publisher=BBC|accessdate=21 August 2010}}</ref> Around 2&nbsp;pm on the day of the ban, violent disturbances between EDL members and their opponents were reported in Bradford, calling for intervention by riot police.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bradford-west-yorkshire-11121005|title=Missiles thrown during Bradford EDL demonstration|date=28 August 2010|work=BBC News Online Bradford|publisher=BBC|accessdate=28 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/7969467/Riot-police-tackle-missiles-at-English-Defence-League-protest-in-Bradford.html|title=Riot police tackle missiles at English Defence League protest in Bradford|last=Sawer|first=Patrick|date=28 August 2010|work=Daily Telegraph|accessdate=28 August 2010}}</ref>

In early September 2010, allegations resurfaced regarding the [[phone tapping]] scandal which saw tabloid newspaper journalists jailed in 2009 for intercepting the mobile phone messages of major public figures in Britain. The case involved a journalist employed by former [[News of the World]] editor [[Andy Coulson]], now director of communications for Prime Minister [[David Cameron]]. (Coulson was absolved of any role in the bugging incidents during a House of Commons enquiry in 2009.) Labour party leadership candidate [[Ed Balls]] called on the Home Secretary to make a statement on the matter.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11188459|title=Ed Balls demands statement on phone hacking claims|date=4 September 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=4 September 2010}}</ref> On 5 September, May told the BBC that there were "no grounds for a public enquiry" on the case.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11195220|title=Met Police may re-open News of the World phone hacking case|date=5 September 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=5 September 2010}}</ref> However [[Scotland Yard]] (Metropolitan Police Service) has said it will consider re-examining evidence on the allegations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11195220|title=Yard calls in new evidence in News of the World phone-tap row|date=5 September 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=5 September 2010}}</ref> On Monday 6 September 2010, May faced parliamentary questions on the allegations following an intervention by the Speaker of the House of Commons.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-forced-to-answer-questions-over-phonehacking-claims-2071849.html|title=Theresa May forced to answer questions on phone-hacking claims|date=6 September 2010|work=The Independent|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11205866|title=Theresa May on phone hacking claims at News of the World|date=6 September 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=6 September 2010}}</ref>

On 9 December 2010 in the wake of violent [[2010 UK student protests|student demonstrations]] against increases to Higher Education [[tuition fees]] held in central London, May praised the actions of the police in controlling the demonstrations but was described by the ''[[Daily Telegraph]]'' as "under growing political pressure" due to her handling of the demonstrations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/8193115/Royal-car-attack-How-did-the-police-get-it-so-wrong-again.html|title=Royal car attack: How did the police get it so wrong|date=10 December 2010|work=Daily Telegraph|accessdate=10 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Student-Protests-Prince-Charles-And-Camillas-Car-Attacked-As-Protesters-March-On-London/Article/201012215850255?lpos=Politics_News_Your_Way_Region_2&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15850255_Student_Protests%3A_Prince_Charles_And_Camillas_Car_Attacked_As_Protesters_March_On_London|title=Royal car is attacked by protesters|date=9 December 2010|work=Sky News|accessdate=10 December 2010}}</ref>

In December 2010, May had said that the deployment of water cannon by police forces on the British mainland was an operational decision which had been "resisted until now by senior police officers."<ref>{{Cite news|first=Andrew|last=Porter|title=Police could use water cannon to disperse rioters, Theresa May says|date=12 December 2010|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8197432/Police-could-use-water-cannon-to-disperse-rioters-Theresa-May-says.html|accessdate=9 August 2011}}</ref> On 9 August 2011, May rejected their use and said: "The way we police in Britain is not through use of water cannon. The way we police in Britain is through consent of communities." May said: "I condemn utterly the [[2011 London riots|violence in Tottenham]]... Such disregard for public safety and property will not be tolerated, and the Metropolitan Police have my full support in restoring order."<ref name=patrol-streets>{{cite news|title=London riots: Police patrol streets after violence|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14435251 |work=BBC News | date=7 August 2011 | accessdate=9 August 2011}}</ref> She returned to the UK from holiday to meet with senior police officials on 8 August.

In the aftermath of the riots May has revealed that she wants as many of the young criminals identifying as possible. She said: “When I was in Manchester last week, the issue was raised to me about the anonymity of juveniles who are found guilty of crimes of this sort. The Crown Prosecution Service is to order prosecutors to apply for anonymity to be lifted in any youth case they think it is in the public interest. The law currently protects the identity of any suspect under the age of 18, even if they are convicted, but it also allows for an application to have such restrictions lifted, if deemed appropriate. May added that "What I've asked is that CPS guidance should go to prosecutors to say that where possible, they should be asking for the anonymity of juveniles who are found guilty of criminal activity to be lifted."<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/8700761/UK-riots-juveniles-could-be-named-and-shamed-says-Theresa-May.html Juveniles could be named and shamed, says May]</ref>

At the Conservative Party Conference on 4 October 2011, while arguing that the Human Rights Act needed to be amended, May gave the example of a foreign national, convicted of shoplifting but who the courts had deemed could not be deported, "because - and I am not making this up - he had a pet cat". In response, the Royal Courts of Justice issued a statement, denying that this was the reason for the tribunal's decision in that case, and instead claiming that the real reason was that the Home Office had failed to apply its own rules for dealing with unmarried partners of people settled in the UK.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15160326|title=Theresa May under fire over deportation cat claim|date=4 October 2011|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|accessdate=5 October 2011}}</ref> The Justice Secretary, Ken Clarke, subsequently called May's comments "laughable and childlike.".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Clarke-hits-childish-remarks/story-13490799-detail/story.html|title=Clarke hits out and 'childish remarks'|date=6 October 2011|work=Nottingham Post|accessdate=14 October 2011}}</ref>

==Major proposals as Home Secretary==
===Police reorganization===
On 26 July 2010, May announced a package of radical reforms to policing in England and Wales in a speech to the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]].<ref name="Shakeup">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10757014|title=Radical police shake-up announced|date=26 July 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Police Authorities are set to be abolished in favour of elected Police and Crime Commissioners.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1297695/British-FBI-elected-police-chiefs-aid-war-crime.html|title=British FBI and elected police chiefs|date=26 July 2010|work=Daily Mail Online|accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> The previous government's central crime agency, Soca (Serious Organised Crime Agency) will be replaced by a new National Crime Agency. In common with the Conservative Party's 2010 general election manifesto's flagship proposal for a "Big Society" based on voluntary action, May also proposed to increase the role of civilian 'reservists' in crime control. The reforms have been rejected by the opposition [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]].<ref name="Shakeup"/>

Following the actions of a minority of [[Black Bloc]] in vandalising allegedly [[UK Uncut|tax-avoiding]] shops and businesses on the day of the 26 March TUC march the Home Secretary unveiled reforms<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/mar/28/police-new-powers-cuts-protest-home-secretary?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487|title=Police may be given new powers after cuts protest, says home secretary|date=28 March 2011|work=The Guardian|accessdate=1 April 2011}}</ref> curbing the right to protest, including giving police extra powers to remove masked individuals and to police social networking sites to prevent [[Public Order Act 1986|illegal protest]] without police consent or notification.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.publicservice.co.uk/news_story.asp?id=15918|title=Police may get social media crime powers|date=29 March 2011|work=publicservice.co.uk Ltd|accessdate=1 April 2011}}</ref>

===Anti-social behaviour===
On 28 July 2010, May proposed to review the previous [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] government's [[anti-social behaviour]] legislation signalling the abolition of the "[[Anti-Social Behaviour Order]]" (ASBO). She identified the policy's high level of failure with almost half of ASBOs breached between 2000 and 2008, leading to "fast track" criminal convictions. May proposed a less punitive, community-based approach to tackling social disorder. May suggested that anti-social behaviour policy "must be turned on its head", reversing the ASBO's role as the flagship crime control policy legislation under Labour.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10784060|title=Time to "move beyond ASBOS" say Home Secretary May|date=28 July 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/7914859/Home-Secretary-signals-the-end-of-Asbos.html |title=Home Secretary signals the end of Asbos |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date= 28 July 2010|accessdate=31 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> Former Labour Home Secretaries [[David Blunkett]] (who introduced ASBOs) and [[Alan Johnson]] expressed their disapproval of the proposals.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/approach-to-antisocial-behaviour-must-be-turned-on-its-head-2037410.html|title=Approach to anti-social behaviour "must be turned on its head"|date=28 July 2010|work=The Independent|accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==Minister for Women and Equality==
May's appointment to the role was initially criticised by some members of the [[LGBT]]/[[gay rights]] movement,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/05/12/analysis-how-pro-gay-is-the-new-home-secretary-and-minister-for-equality-theresa-may/|title=Analysis: How pro-gay is the new home secretary and minister for equality Theresa May?|date=12 May 2010|work=Pink News|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref> as she had voted against lowering the age of consent (in 1998) and against greater [[LGBT adoption|adoption rights for homosexuals]] (in 2002), voting in favour of civil partnerships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=40382&dmp=826|title=Theresa May MP, Maindenhead, Homosexuality – Equal rights|work=The Public Whip|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7125930.ece|title=From senior to junior — demoted Tories lose seats at the top table|last=Coates|first=Sam|first2=Susz|last2=Jagger|date=14 May 2010|work=The Times|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref> May later stated, during an appearance on the BBC's ''[[Question Time (TV series)|Question Time]]'', that she had "changed her mind" on gay adoption.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8696102.stm|title=I've changed my mind on gay adoption, says Theresa May|date=20 May 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=28 October 2010}}</ref> Writing for ''[[Pink News]]'' in June 2010, May clarified her proposals for improving LGBT rights including measures to tackle homophobia in sport, advocating a need for 'cultural change' in British society.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/06/18/theresa-may-says-sportsmen-and-newspaper-editors-must-take-action-against-homophobia/|title=Theresa May says sportsmen and newspaper editors must "take action" against homophobia|date=18 June 2010|work=Pink News|accessdate=29 July 2010}}</ref>

On 2 July 2010, May stated she would be supporting the previous Labour government's anti-discrimination laws enshrined in the [[Equality Act 2010]] though she had previously opposed this legislation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/politics/10496993.stm|title=Labour to stick with Labour's Equality Act|date=2 July 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=3 July 2010}}</ref> The Equality Act came into effect in England, Wales and Scotland on 1 October 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11446650|title=New equality rights in workplace come into force|date=1 October 2010|work=BBC News Online|publisher=BBC|accessdate=1 October 2010}}</ref>

On 17 November 2010, May announced the "socio-economic duty" legislation (also known as "[[Harriet Harman|Harman]]'s Law") was to be scrapped.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/labour/8138053/Theresa-May-axes-Harmans-Law.html|title=Theresa May axes Harman's Law|last=Hope|first=Christopher|date=17 November 2010|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|accessdate=18 November 2010}}</ref> The law would have required public bodies to consider how they can reduce socio-economic inequalities when making decisions about spending and services;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6159537/Middle-classes-to-lose-out-under-Harmans-equality-plan.html|title=Middle classes to lose out under Harman's equality plan|last=Kirkup|first=James|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|publisher=9 September 2009|accessdate=18 November 2010}}</ref> the legislation was part of the Equality Act which did not come into force in October and was put up for review.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11771302|title=Theresa May shelves 'equality duty' on councils|work=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=18 November 2010}}</ref>

==Personal life and public image==
Theresa married Philip John May on 6 September 1980;{{Citation needed|date=May 2011}} she has no children.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/dec/14/theresa-may-lady-in-waiting|title=Theresa May: David Cameron's lady in waiting|last=Orr|first=Deborah|date=14 December 2009|work=The Guardian|accessdate=9 June 2011}}</ref> Outside politics, May states her interests as walking and cooking.<!-- not in ref --><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tmay.co.uk/biography |title=Theresa May MP Biography |publisher=Tmay.co.uk |date= |accessdate=9 June 2010}}</ref> May's fashion choices and well-publicised fondness for designer shoes often draw comment in the media.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1279920/Home-Secretary-Theresa-May-turns-heads-blue-sari-Asian-awards-matching-kitten-heels-course.html|title=Home Secretary Theresa May turns heads in turquoise sari at Asian awards (with matching kitten heels of course)|last=Rawi|first=Maysa|date=20 May 2010|work=Daily Mail Online|accessdate=27 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1285250/So-Theresa-whats-policy-Glamour-Home-secretary-Mrs-May-leaves-kitten-heels-home-fashion-awards.html|title=So Theresa, what's your policy on Glamour? Home secretary Mrs May leaves her kitten heels at home for fashion awards|last=Faulkner|first=Katherine|date=10 June 2010|work=Daily Mail Online|accessdate=27 October 2010}}</ref> Journalists have drawn parallels between May's shift to designer apparel and her political rise in fortunes since her debut as an MP.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1396107/The-blossoming-of-Theresa-May.html|title=The blossoming of Theresa May|last=Bearn|first=Emily|date=2 June 2010|work=Daily Telegraph|accessdate=27 October 2010}}</ref>

Since coming to prominence in front-bench politics, May's public image has also tended to polarise press opinion, especially from the traditionalist right-wing press.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.spectator.co.uk/politics/all/11498/to-all-intents-and-purposes-theresa-may-may-as-well-not-exist.thtml|title=To all intents and purposes, Theresa May may as well not exist|last=Heffer|first=Simon|date=20 September 2003|work=The Spectator|accessdate=27 October 2010}}</ref> Commenting on May's debut as [[Home Secretary]], Anne Perkins of ''[[The Guardian]]'' observed that 'she'll be nobody's stooge',<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/may/12/theresa-may-nobodys-stooge|title=Theresa May will be nobody's stooge|last=Perkins|first=Anne|date=12 May 2010|work=The Guardian|accessdate=6 August 2010}}</ref> while [[Cristina Odone]] of ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' judged her to be 'the rising star' of the coalition government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/cristinaodone/100040523/theresa-may-will-prove-to-be-the-rising-star-of-the-coalition-government/|title=Theresa May will be the star of the coalition government|last=Odone|first=Cristina|date=21 May 2010|work=Daily Telegraph|accessdate=27 October 2010}}</ref> [[Quentin Letts]] of ''[[The Daily Mail]]'' later described May's performance in the role of Home Secretary as 'unflappable'<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1297881/Like-head-girl-Theresa-May-rarely-caught-hop.html|title=Like the head girl, Theresa May is rarely caught on the hop|last=Letts|first=Quentin|date=27 July 2010|work=Daily Mail Online|accessdate=27 July 2010}}</ref> and [[Allegra Stratton]] of ''[[the Guardian]]'' described May as showing managerial acumen. <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ethosjournal.com/home/item/272-may-days}}</ref>

May's wealth is estimated at £1.6&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/election/article-1280554/The-coalition-millionaires-23-29-member-new-cabinet-worth-1m--Lib-Dems-just-wealthy-Tories.html|title=The coalition of millionaires|last=Owen|first=Glen|date=23 May 2010|work=Mail on Sunday|accessdate=27 October 2010}}</ref> Her parliamentary expenses have been 'modest' (only just over £15,000 for the past four years) in recent years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/shadow-cabinet-expenses/5637076/Theresa-Mays-expenses.html|title=Theresa May's parliamentary expenses|date=26 June 2009|work=Daily Telegraph|accessdate=27 October 2010}}</ref>

==Activism and awards==

Prior to her promotion to government, May has actively supported a variety of campaigns on policy issues in her constituency and at the national level of politics. She has spoken at the [[Fawcett Society]] promoting the cross-party issue of gender equality. May was nominated as one of the Society's Inspiring Women of 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=413 |title=Fawcett Society |publisher=Fawcett Society |date= |accessdate=16 September 2010}}</ref>

May opposes the European Union (Eurosceptic) and she wants to scrap the UK Human Rights Act <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15140742|title=Home Secretary Theresa May wants Human Rights Act axed|publisher=BBC News|date= 1/10/2011}}</ref>.

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Theresa May}}
* [http://www.tmay.co.uk Theresa May MP] ''official constituency website''
* [http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ The Home Office]
* [http://www.conservatives.com/People/Members_of_Parliament/May_Theresa.aspx Profile] at the Conservative Party
*{{MPLinksUK | parliament = theresa-may/25452 | hansard = mrs-theresa-may | hansardcurr = 1758 | guardian = 3441/theresa-may | publicwhip = Theresa_May | theywork = theresa_may | record = Theresa-May/Maidenhead/330 | bbc = 25452.stm | journalisted = theresa-may }}

;Audio clips
* [http://www.wpradio.co.uk/mp3s/TheresaMay.mp3 ''WPRadio''] Discussing the [http://www.women2win.com/ Women2Win campaign] on [[Women's Parliamentary Radio]]{{When|date=July 2011}}

;Video clips
* [http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6A3IgL_s4k8 Conservative conference September 2008]
* [http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=gaGZ52htq_g Byte Night October 2008]

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[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:Alumni of St Hugh's College, Oxford]]
[[Category:Conservative Party (UK) MPs]]
[[Category:Councillors in Merton]]
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[[Category:People from Eastbourne]]
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[[Category:UK MPs 1997–2001]]
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