YOU Yougov Plc

LONDON—Theresa May, one of the U.K.'s longest-serving home secretaries, has emerged as a favorite to become the next prime minister.

She is widely expected to throw her hat in the ring in the coming days. A survey by polling firm YouGov PLC conducted Sunday and Monday suggested Ms. May was slightly more popular among the general public than leading Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson, another expected leadership contender.

Ms. May has spent six years managing the home office, recognized as one of the most challenging posts in government that spans some of the most contentious areas of policy including security, law and order, and immigration.

Even though the U.K.'s net migration has soared to record levels on her watch and is more than three times the government's target, Ms. May, 59 years old, has retained a reputation as a safe pair of hands with solid command of her brief. She is one of the go-to ministers dispatched to speak in television interviews in times of crisis.

In an era of personality politics, Ms. May has a public reputation as sober, determined and straightforward, but also sometimes cold and analytical. Despite a penchant for flamboyant footwear, she hasn't exhibited the exuberance or humor that are characteristic of Mr. Johnson.

Some Conservative lawmakers have said that her support of the prime minister's position of remaining in the European Union--albeit she kept a relatively low profile during the campaign--would make it hard for her to be the prime minister to negotiate Britain's exit.

"There were quite a lot of voices suggesting I should go down the 'Leave' route, but I approached this decision in the way I approach other important decisions: Look at the facts and come to a view, and come to a judgment," she told the British Broadcasting Corp. earlier this month.

A spokeswoman for Ms. May couldn't be immediately reached for comment.

Two years ago she revealed in a newspaper interview that she had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and said she would be continuing with her job.

Elected to parliament in 1997, she was the first female chair of the Conservative Party. Her responsibilities while in opposition included transport, education, and work and pensions. She Studied geography at university and worked at the Bank of England and Association for Payment Clearing Services before entering politics.

Write to Nicholas Winning at nick.winning@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 28, 2016 20:45 ET (00:45 GMT)

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