Prime minister appeared on stage in happy and party mood dancing away to the classic 70’s ABBA’S Dancing Queen, the move draws rapturous reception from party activists.
The PM shows the Party faithful she’s still the queen of No 10 and the conservative party. The dance moves reminiscent Mrs May’s ‘dance floor diplomacy’ during her recent trip to South Africa and Kenya where he tries to dance with locals.
Mrs May’s speech to delegates in Birmingham was a clear bid to pull the party together as it continues to bicker over her Chequers plan.
She also took digs at Jacob Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson – both tipped as future Tory leaders, both vehemently opposed to her proposal for Brexit.
The Prime Minister launched several attacks on Labour’s hard-left leadership in an apparent bid to claim the centre ground of British politics.
She attacked the “bile and poison” infecting modern British politics – but heaped plenty of both on Labour leader Mr Corbyn. But took a softer line on old-school Labour, praising former party leaders Neil Kinnock, Jim Callaghan and Clement Attlee.
She accused the veteran left-winger of everything from collision with the Russians to attempting to bankrupt the country.
The Prime Minister appeared jovial as she danced to the classic disco track, drawing a rapturous reception from party activists.
Conservative deputy chairman James Cleverly tweeted: “Great to see Theresa May dance onto the stage to Dancing Queen by ABBA. Classy.”
Torbjorn Sohlstrom, Sweden’s ambassador to the UK, also praised the Prime Minister’s dance moves.
He said: “I can only say bravo to Theresa May for starting her conference speech with ABBA’s Dancing Queen.”
During her speech, Mrs May declared that Britain’s post-Brexit future is “full of promise” and that the country’s “best days lie ahead of us”.
She added: “Don’t let anyone tell you we don’t have what it takes: we have everything we need to succeed.”
No-deal Brexit would be ‘tough’ but UK will survive economically
Theresa May said a no-deal Brexit would be a “bad outcome” but insisted the UK would be able to survive economically.
She said: “No-one wants a good deal more than me. But that has never meant getting a deal at any cost.
“Britain isn’t afraid to leave with no deal if we have to. Leaving without a deal would be a bad outcome for the UK and the EU.
“It would be tough at first, but the resilience and ingenuity of the British people would see us through.”
The Prime Minister also urged Labour voters disillusioned with hard-left leader Jeremy Corbyn to switch to the Tories.
She said: “Millions of people who have never supported our party in the past are appalled by what Jeremy Corbyn has done to Labour.”
Rejects calls for second referendum
Theresa May rejected calls from Remainers to hold a so-called ‘People’s Vote’ on her Brexit deal.
She told Tory activists: “there are plenty of prominent people in British politics – in Parliament and out of it – who want to stop Brexit in its tracks.
“Their latest plan is to hold a second referendum. They call it a ‘People’s Vote’. But we had the people’s vote. The people voted to leave.”
Africa as the Engine room of the future
PM talks about post Brexit trade relationship with commonwealth of nations especially Africa which she described as the ‘Engine room of the future’
Vows to fix the ‘broken’ housing market
Theresa May said her Government is committed to fixing the “broken” housing market.
She said: “We cannot make the case for capitalism if ordinary working people have no chance of owning capital.
“We have announced that we will charge a higher rate of stamp duty on those buying homes who do not live and pay taxes in the UK.
“This will help level the playing field for British buyers. The money raised will go towards tackling the scourge of rough sleeping.
Vows to honor Brexit vote
Theresa May said the Government would “not betray” the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum.
She told delegates: “My job as Prime Minister is to do what I believe to be in the national interest. And that means two things.
“First, honouring the result of the referendum. We put our faith in the British people’s judgement. They have put their faith in us to deliver.
“And secondly, to seek a good trading and security relationship with our neighbours after we have left.
“They are our close friends and allies, and we should ensure it stays that way.”
PM praises health service
Theresa May said her government gave the NHS “the biggest cash boost in its history” earlier this year.
She added: “No institution embodies our principles as Conservatives more profoundly or more personally than our NHS.
“It gives every man, woman and child the absolute security of knowing that whenever you are sick, care will be there.
May fumes at Labour over anti-Semitism
Theresa May attacked Labour over its anti-Semitism crisis, saying: “What has befallen Labour is a national tragedy.
“What has it come to when Jewish families today seriously discuss where they should go if Jeremy Corbyn becomes Prime Minister?
“Conservatives will always stand up a politics that unites us, rather than divides us.
“Let’s make a positive case for our values that will cut through the bitterness and bile that is poisoning our politics.”
The speech was a surprise to many and well planned out. she was met on stage by her husband after the speech and they both walked up the aisle greeting and shaking hands with party faithfuls clapping and smiling at them.