may was born on 1 october 1956 at maternity home in 9 upperton road in eastbourne, sussex. may is the only child of zaidee mary (née barnes; 1928–1982) and hubert brasier (1917–1981). her father was a church of england clergyman. may was educated at oxfordshire primary and grammar schools in the state sector, and graduated the university of oxford in 1977.