Theresa May Survives Leadership Test, but Brexit Path Unclear

Conservative lawmakers back U.K. prime minister as party leader, but victory leaves doubts over her future and over Brexit.

British Prime Minister Theresa May beat back a leadership challenge, subduing a damaging rebellion within her party but leaving her politically wounded and the route to Brexit muddier than ever.

In a confidence vote Wednesday night, Conservatives lawmakers backed her by a vote of 200-117. But the scale of the revolt leaves the departure deal she negotiated with the European Union in mortal peril.

Afterward, Mrs. May acknowledged her eroding support but gave no sign she would change course, promising as she has before to improve her withdrawal deal with the EU and bring it to Parliament for a vote. “We now need to get on with the job of delivering Brexit for the British people,” she said outside Downing Street after the result was announced.

The lukewarm backing she secured from members of her own party—and the expectation that most lawmakers from opposition parties in Parliament will reject her deal—raises the prospect that almost any version she manages to negotiate with the EU will be rejected by Parliament.

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