Star comment: PM has shown stern leadership

It is doubtful that at any time previously in her political career has she been more in need of a holiday.

But in her absence the problems that manifested themselves in spectacular fashion during the disastrous General Election campaign have not gone away.

The key issue on Mrs May's agenda is of course Brexit, with crucial papers for the negotiations with the EU on trade and Northern Ireland due to be published imminently.

It comes at a time when Brussels has been critical of the UK's negotiating position, accusing the Government of lacking clarity.

The Prime Minister's first task may well turn out to be one that is beyond her.

In the weeks after the election Mrs May tried - and failed - to pull her squabbling Cabinet into line. If anything, the divisions appear to have widened during her time away.

Philip Hammond and Amber Rudd were quick to lay out plans for a transitional period post-Brexit, allowing free movement of EU nationals to Britain to continue for up to three years.

Their Brexit vision differs markedly from the one put forward by the likes of Liam Fox and David Davis.

As we prepare to enter a pivotal period in the negotiations, it is vital that the Prime Minister finds some way to placate these two disparate factions.

By the time we reach the European Council in Brussels in October, the Government's vision for its future relations with the EU must be crystal clear.

Despite her fragile position at the head of the party, this is no time for Mrs May to take a back seat.

This country needs stern and decisive leadership if it is to benefit from the opportunities that Brexit brings and make a success of departing the EU.

Meanwhile there is also trouble brewing on the home front, with the NHS revealing figures showing waiting lists are the longest they have been for a decade.

The Prime Minister has plenty on her plate.

She will need to have all of her wits about her to cope with the challenges that lie ahead.