Theresa May says husband Philip is her ‘rock’ after tough Brexit week

‘It’s often harder for the other half because they are watching it and feel protective and think, why are they saying that to my wife?’

The couple were married in 1980 after meeting as students at Oxford University (AFP/Getty)

Theresa May has described her husband Philip as her “rock” after he stood by her through one of the most tumultuous weeks of her political career.

The prime minister spoke lovingly of her husband of 38 years after he was on hand with moral support as she faced resignations, threats of a coup and personal attacks over her Brexit deal.

Ms May revealed the first thing he did when she returned to the Downing Street flat following Wednesday’s fiery five-hour cabinet meeting was pour her a much-needed whisky.

“On Thursday, he served up beans on toast for tea,” she said in an interview with the Daily Mail.

“I opened the tin. He made the toast – and did the washing up.”

The prime minister admitted her loyal husband could not help but feel hurt by the furious backlash against her over her Brexit plan, including calls for a no-confidence vote.

(Rex (Rex)

“It’s often harder for the other half because they are watching it and feel protective and think, ‘why are they saying that to my wife?’,” she said.

But despite the turmoil, Ms May has remained defiant and vowed to fight on and deliver Brexit, with her husband firmly in her corner.

“He is my rock,” she said.

“It’s hugely important to have somebody there who is supportive of you, not involved in the intricacies of politics but there to provide human support.”

It is Philip who urges her to keep going, she added, as he encourages her to “keep doing the right thing”.

The couple were married in 1980 after meeting as students at Oxford University.

The pair were introduced at a Conservative Association dance by the late Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.