United Kingdom

Britain's Race for Prime Minister Is Down to 2 Women

Britain's only female prime minister was Margaret Thatcher, who stood down in 1990 after an 11-year stint in power

Britain moved a step closer to having its second female prime minister as the contest to lead the country's ruling Conservative party narrowed to two women on Thursday.

Theresa May, currently Britain's Home Secretary, and Andrea Leadsom, a high-profile campaigner for Brexit, emerged as the favorites in a ballot of lawmakers that was triggered by David Cameron's resignation after last month's Brexit vote.

May, who campaigned for the "Remain" vote, is the clear favorite, winning 199 votes against 84 for Leadsom.

The two candidates will face a nationwide vote of about 150,000 Conservative party members on Sept. 9.

Britain's only female prime minister was Margaret Thatcher.

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