Theresa May was elected as the Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Maidenhead at the 1997 General Election. She made her first speech (known as a maiden speech) in the Commons on 2 June 1997 in a debate on the Education (Schools) Bill.

May became Prime Minister in July 2016 following the resignation of David Cameron.

Read the Hansard report of Theresa May's maiden speech: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons...


A maiden speech is the first speech made in the Chamber by a new member of the House of Commons or the House of Lords.

A maiden speech is usually uncontroversial and fairly brief, including a tribute to the Member’s predecessor in the seat, irrespective of party, and favourable remarks about the constituency. It is a tradition that a maiden speech is heard without interruption and that the next speaker praises the new MP’s first contribution.

Find out more about maiden speeches, with this House of Commons Library briefing paper: https://researchbriefings.parliament....

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