Body language expert reveals how Theresa May is dealing with Brexit

It has been an especially tough week for Theresa May, who has suffered a series of humiliating Brexit defeats in the House of Commons.

This culminated on Wednesday night when MPs voted to reject no-deal Brexit ‘under any circumstance.

The crushing defeat highlighted just how much Mrs May has seemingly lost control of her own party, with four senior members of the Cabinet defying their PM and abstaining from the vote.

A croaky-voiced Mrs May then had to address the House, telling them a delay to Brexit was almost inevitable.

However, although the PM is very much on the back foot, one expert says Mrs May’s body language suggests she is – consciously or not – trying to present herself as still being in control of the situation.

Judi James said: “Last night she was looking strong, often using the head baton – which is when you nod your head along with your words and your head comes down on a specific word you want to emphasise, very much like a conductor’s baton.

“She kept her hands quite close, resting them on the box in front of her, even giving a baleful glare at the opposition when they interrupted her, showing she still has some fight.

“She even managed to have a little smile and laugh about herself, showing that she is in more control than the previous night.”

“Despite her waning voice, she kept calm and did not raise her pitch at all.

“This is in stark contrast to just 24 hours before, when she looked absolutely drained, weak and very much resigned.

“She was also over-compensating with emphatic gestures, a sign people’s words don’t match with what they’re thinking.”

“And you could tell there was no strength behind her words, even with the croaky voice.

“Normally we have the congruence of body language and voice and politicians often use their vocal tone to help influence people, but she couldn’t use that.

“There was a huge gap between the two.”

Tonight MPs will vote on whether to ask permission from the EU for a delay of Article 50.

Right now it is not clear how long the extension will be.