Theresa May talks Trump, career politicians and shoes

Former Prime Minister Theresa May joined Lorraine Kelly on the sofa today to talk about her new, no-holds-barred book ‘The Abuse Of Power: Confronting Injustice in Public Life’.

Discussing her legacy, four years on from her Downing Street departure, May said: “What I hope people will say is that I did my best to put people first because I think, you know, being Prime Minister lots of people think it’s about power. Actually, you are there to serve the public. It’s about service.”

She added: “I fear that what we’re seeing these days in politics is, increasingly, people for whom it’s, if you’d like, a career move.

“I see more and more people who come into parliament, not as in the past, willing just to be a good constituency Member of Parliament, and have a good career in parliament itself, but actually wanting to be a government minister and seeing that that’s where they’re going to be going.”

In terms of issues, she said she wanted to be remembered for her work on the Modern Slavery Act and Climate Change legislation.

Asked by Lorraine about a close encounter with Donald Trump, Theresa laughed: “That was really strange. We were waiting to walk out in front of the world’s press and he said, ‘There’s a slope around the corner so take care’. 

“And I thought, well, I’ve got kitten heels on. I’m fine on a slope. So I truly didn’t take any notice. But as we turned the corner, he suddenly grabbed my hand. So I don’t know whether he was doing that to support me, or whether he thought I was going to support him.” 

During the interview, Theresa also heaped praise on her husband, Sir Philip John May, for standing by her during a difficult time in office.

She said: “I’m hugely fortunate. He was always there for me. He was my rock. And it’s difficult being the spouse of a Prime Minister.”

Asked about her penchant for shoes during her time in power she said: “I like shoes and there’s nothing wrong with being in a position of power and liking fashion, liking shoes, and wanting to think about those things.”

Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV1 & ITVX