The PM got reporters excited with a secretive valedictory speech
Those of us who crowded hopefully into Chatham House did not have to wait long to be disappointed. This was Theresa May, after all
When a major politician makes a big speech, it’s rare for its contents to come as a complete surprise to lobby correspondents in Westminster.
Details are often given to Sunday newspapers a few days in advance, excerpts are briefed on the eve of the speech and advisers make themselves available to give a steer and a hint about the minister’s thinking.
So when Downing Street announced that Theresa May’s last significant speech as prime minister would not be pre-briefed at all, journalists’ appetites were well and truly whetted.
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