Therese May's First Speech

Therese May's first speech.

What she did: Used her first speech to make personal and party U-turns and draw red lines. Think “Brexit means Brexit,” no election until 2020, no more budget surplus promise, no more pulling out of the European Convention on Human Rights, and appeals to those who feel left behind by globalization and ruling classes.

What she meant: To use the most pure moment of power she may ever have to kill off toxic associations and questions that could have dogged her for the next four years.

What she did: Put the three Brexiteers in charge of Brexit-related negotiating positions.

What she meant: Made Brexiteers take responsibility for what they created. If it works, Theresa May gets a great deal for Britain and will claim the credit. If it fails, Johnson, Davis and Fox become the sacrificial lambs: three failed men who May’s real allies can step over on their way to righting the ship.

What she did: Appoint Boris Johnson to a very serious and delicate job, as foreign secretary.

What she meant: To force him into line.

What she did: Planned her first trip, to Edinburgh today, to meet with Nicola Sturgeon

What she meant: To show she’s serious about saving one union, even as she leaves the other.

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