Theresa May: I am not robotic
2 min read
Theresa May today took on claims made about her general election performance, declaring "I am not in the least robotic".
She also risked a fresh backlash from Tory MPs by insisting she has no intention of stepping down from the top job.
The Prime Minister's often repetitive performances on the stump were the source of derision during the Tories' disastrous campaign, which saw them lose their Commons majority.
Her propensity to repeat soundbites and not answer questions directly led some observers to label her the "Maybot".
Appearing on BBC Radio 5's Test Match Special, Mrs May took the charge head on and said she is still driven by a desire to make life better for families struggling to get by.
"I think it’s, look, in any election campaign you make, a plan is made about what that campaign is going to be like.
"I think I get frustrated - people used the term ‘robotic’ about me during that campaign. I don’t think I’m in the least robotic.
"As I say, what I really enjoy is getting out there, talking to people, hearing from them, understanding what the issues are for them. That’s what drove me, when I first became prime minister and stood outside 10 Downing St I talked about a country that works for everyone, I talked about those people who do find life difficult and that is what still drives me as Prime Minister."
'NOT A QUITTER'
And she risked the wrath of some of her parliamentary troops by reiterating she does not intend to stand down as PM.
Mrs May has previously suggested she could stay on to fight the next general election, set for 2022, despite her dismal performance in the recent campaign.
"But, I’m not a quitter. It wasn’t just a question, it’s I think hopefully a reflection of somebody who feels there is a job to be done and I and the Government are getting on and doing it and I think that’s what the public are looking for us to do as a government, just deliver for them," she said.
"Whatever job you’re in what you should do is get on, give off your best, do the best job you can. I have a hugely privileged position in being Prime Minister but there are some huge challenges for the country and my job is to make sure we actually address those, that we deal with them properly, that we get the answers right and we deliver for people."
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