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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

Andrew Woodcock
Friday 19 July 2019 00:38 BST
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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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