Theresa May: a big beast in kitten heels

In the latest issue of Spectator Life, Harry Cole profiles the Home Secretary Theresa May. In a week full of prominent appearances, he shines a light on the formidable political operator behind May's carefully cultivated image. Here is preview of his cover feature:

‘She doesn’t rate Cameron any more. She did, but not any more,’ confides a friend of the Home Secretary. ‘There was a time early on when she would want to please David, but slowly she has seen just how incompetent that operation is. How the PM will say he will do one thing, only to be drawn in another direction. She’s given up on him.’

In seven months’ time, the Conservative party could be embarking on its first leadership election in almost a decade and Theresa May is now a firm contender — a surprise to many who underestimated her when she was appointed Home Secretary in 2010 and an even greater one to those who knew and worked with her upon her promotion to the big league in 2002.