Theresa May told BBC Panorama that she was “irritated” by leadership speculation

Theresa May is to defy the threat of being ousted straight after Britain leaves the EU in March by planning to relaunch her premiership next summer with domestic reforms.

The prime minister has already begun planning next year’s Queen’s Speech, which is due by July, with a focus on what cabinet papers refer to as “life after Brexit”.

The move will infuriate Mrs May’s critics, including moderate Conservative MPs who believe that she should be allowed to stay in office until Britain formally leaves the EU but then stand aside. It raises the prospect of her remaining in office until at least summer 2020.

In an interview to be broadcast tonight, the prime minister says that she is “irritated” by constant speculation about her