'I'm not a quitter': Theresa May says she WILL fight next election amid rumours PM will resign before Brexit

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Theresa May has indicated she will fight the next general election as she insisted: “I’m not a quitter.”

Rumours had been mounting the Prime Minister was preparing to step down the day before Brexit officially happens in 2019.

But during a visit to Japan – where she met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and enjoyed a menu of specialities including sea urchin and sushi – Mrs May set out her plan to lead the Conservatives into the next election.

Asked if she intends to fight the next UK vote, she said: “Yes. There's been an awful lot of speculation about my future which has no basis in it whatsoever.

"I'm in this for the long term. There's a real job to be done in the United Kingdom. It's about getting the Brexit deal right, it's about building that deep and special partnership with the European Union, but it's also about building global Britain, trading around the world.

Theresa May, flanked by Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is welcomed by Master of Tea Ceremony Sen Sosa upon her arrival for a tea ceremony.
REUTERS

"Yes, dealing with injustices that remain inside the United Kingdom, but also going out around the world ensuring that we can do those trade deals which bring prosperity to our economy and bring jobs to the United Kingdom."

Pressed on whether she would step down before the next election, expected in 2022, she replied: “I'm not a quitter."

June’s vote was disastrous for Mrs May, who reduced the Conservative majority in Parliament.

Since Parliament has been in recess, this summer has seen suggestions that backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg may be placed to take the helm.

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But Mrs May said she was "here for the long term and it's crucial, what me and my Government are about is not just delivering on Brexit, we are delivering a brighter future for the United Kingdom".

David Cameron famously insisted to voters he would remain as leader if he lost the EU referendum, but quit weeks later after the 2016 vote.

After visiting Japan’s ancient capital Kyoto, the PM will spend Thursday in Tokyo for a series of meetings and visits, including attending the Japanese National Security Council, the first European leader to do so.

She will also visit the headquarters of the Japanese maritime self-defence force, where the flagship aircraft carrier Izumo is based, and will be briefed by UK and Japanese personnel on board.

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