Theresa May’s effect became immediately visible in the considerable drop of gold price globally. According to The Reuters’ report, the night of 12th July observed the greatest decrease in gold price for the last 7 consecutive weeks. Gold price bottomed at 1.330 USD/ oz in the last recored transaction. Experts attributed the recovery in stock market and the drop in gold price to Theresa May, who has vowed to lead the UK through Brexit. The new UK prime minister seems to regain confidence for investors, lifting the bottomed Asian stock market to the original positive point at the beginning of 2016, making up for all the loss due to Brexit crisis.

How did Theresa May rise as a solution for the UK?

“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman”

Margaret Thatcher’s famous quote is so applicable to the current chaotic situation in the UK. The recent Brexit has been an unprecedented shock for many, including the British citizens. Meanwhile, one by one, David Cameron and Nigel Farage resigned after having their political goal realized – The UK exited the EU; leaving the UK “running around like a headless chicken.” And there comes the UK second female Prime Minister Theresa May with a daring firm plan for the UK “Brexit means Brexit. As prime minister, I will make sure that we leave the European Union.” Many have raised an optimistic comparison, expecting May to sail the UK boat through the UK boat through the storm of Brexit like her predecessor Margaret Thatcher succeeded in leading the UK through economic crisis.

Will May manage her promises?

Despite Theresa May’s rise as a star in the complete darkness of UK politics, it seems like the UK media could not get rid of its old habits to find faults and make criticism. The independent writers have been the most aggressive towards the upcoming Prime Minister, accusing Theresa May of sounding more like a Labour politician than a Conservative one and that “she devoted her entire speech to the single subject of immigration.” Other writers in the Guardian casted doubt on the capacity of Theresa May to become the second Margaret Thatcher. One writer of The telegraph generously granted Theresa May the title “unelected prime minister.”

Undoubtedly, it is a common thing for politicians to received criticism from the media, and it is in fact too soon to be optimistic about May’s success in the savior role. However, May has managed to accomplish at least several immediate tasks that a leader needs to do: easing the public worries with her daring speech, setting clear temporary agenda for the UK to leave the EU, and uniting the Post-Brexit in-chaos government and society. In simple words, May’s speech gave the UK public what they are in need for. Or at least she dared to make promises.

Then what is wrong with that?

True, she sounds very ambitious and radical. Writers on popular news agencies in the UK pointed this out by comparing the variation of her speech in different times. Many accused she was taking advantage of the situation, making boast promises just to gain the Prime Minister position.

But isn’t it what politicians are expected to do? May certainly needs to gain power, sits firmly in her position, gains people’s confidence before making any change to the Brexit crisis. Who would not know that many difficulties lie ahead and it is always easier said than done? Only time can judge if May deserves the position and expectation she has raised herself.

May and UK politics

One does not need much imagination or reading to predict the long-term goals of May’s policies. The long-term direction is crystal clear: redefining UK position in world politics as an independent state from the EU. The new prime minister is expected to re-enhance the UK roles in the Security Council and NATO. Nevertheless, this is a distant story. Many more things need to be solved before that.

The immediate tasks for May is to re-organize the government, initiate effective economic reforms’ policies and complete a successful negotiation for the United Kingdom to leave the EU. From May’s speech, it is predictable that she is going to focus a lot on tax, labour, immigration policies, and economic reforms.

Making promises is one thing; realizing promises is another. Time will tell who Theresa May really is. For immediate observation, May seems determined to keep her promises at least with regard to gender equality. According to updates on 12th July, Maber Rudd and Tustine Greening are expected to get promotions for a “more gender-balanced cabinet.” Things will get more interesting after she officially becomes the Prime Minister of the UK and more female candidates will lead the UK cabinet.

Theresa May and the West’s trend of “Bring in women”

The victory of Theresa May is attributed to the success of her predecessors – Margaret Thatcher and Angela Merkel. Undoubtedly, the success of her previous examples create a favorable condition for May to gain confidence from public in mid of crisis. However, no one can guarantee her future success just because she is a female leader in post-Brexit crisis. Theresa May herself also did not wish or ask for identification with Margaret Thatcher and it is very likely that May wants to leave her own mark in the UK history. Since the desire to become a unique deviates people away from making the best decisions, hopefully May will be able to narrate her own story without being framed by Thatcher’s shadow.

To conclude, it is interesting to notice that May’s election victory probably will have great positive impact on Hillary Clinton’s election in the US. With Theresa May coming into power, Hillary stands more chance to become the US next president. If it is going to happen, we will enjoy to see a Western World led by outstanding women.

By Linh Tong