Friends of Mrs May said that she was aware that seeking a legacy other than Brexit may prove all but impossible

Theresa May has told aides that she intends to return to the agenda of social reforms set out when she became prime minister, as a survey suggests that most Conservative Party members want her to quit before the election.

During a start-of-term briefing given by the prime minister, Gavin Barwell, her chief of staff, and Robbie Gibb, the director of communications, Mrs May told advisers that she did not want to be defined by Brexit.

During her first speech in power, Mrs May promised to fight “burning injustices” such as the fact that those born poor died on average nine years younger than others, that black suspects suffered worse treatment in the criminal justice system and that white, working-class boys were less likely than any