Pollsters from YouGov took new data on the public's perception of PM May and compared it to similar polls of Thatcher in the late 1970s and 1980s, finding some interesting correlations between the only two women to have held the keys to Downing Street.
In five out of the eight areas included in the survey: being out of touch, narrow-minded, understanding the UK's problems, honesty and being down to earth, May scored very similar results to those of Thatcher in 1979 — the year she first became prime minister.
Remind you of anyone? Theresa May more 1979 Thatcher than 1985 https://t.co/51vMEsiGJU pic.twitter.com/nQRL9IHLwl
— YouGov (@YouGov) July 25, 2016
The statistics show that many see May as sharing similar values to the former Conservative leader in her early days as PM.
May Enjoying Best of Both Worlds
However, while there were some similarities with Thatcher's first years in Downing Street, the polls also revealed some interesting perceptions from the British public.
When comparing Theresa May's survey results with those of Thatcher in 1985 — halfway through her premiership — there was a close distinction between the perception of the two in the areas of being a capable leader (40 percent/39 percent) and inexperience (9 percent/2 percent).
Theresa May just went full Thatcher with that "remind him of anybody" and it was a little bit terrifying.
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) July 20, 2016
"The two areas which Theresa May matches the elder Thatcher are on capability as a leader and experience — in both cases areas where you would expect a person's performance to improve with time," YouGov's Mathew Smith said.
"The areas in which she matches the younger Thatcher, however, are personality based and areas which you would expect to see decline the longer a politician is incumbent."
Theresa May is a tory and woman, therefore everything she does will be compared to Margaret Thatcher. This will get tiring quickly #PMQs
— Jack Mendel (@Mendelpol) July 20, 2016
While many in the media have commented on the similarities between May and Thatcher, others have disagreed, arguing that comparisons are simply being made because both are women.
As debate rages on, it seems British public perceptions of May — when compared to Thatcher — are largely positive.
"Theresa May has the best of both worlds: her governmental capability and experience are acknowledged by voters, whilst the negative personal perceptions associated with a lengthy incumbency are not present — at least yet," Smith said.
The most notable difference between Thatcher and May is that Thatcher was elected. #PMQs
— Angry Salmond (@AngrySalmond) July 20, 2016
"The data does set a clear trajectory though — it will be interesting to see whether Theresa May's numbers will follow Mrs Thatcher's as voters become more familiar with her, and she goes through more controversial decisions."
