IN October I made the bold prediction that Theresa May would be ousted as Prime Minister before Christmas.

Originally, after making the disastrous decision to hold an early general election that lost the Conservative majority, I said I couldn't see the PM lasting to party conference season.

When she managed to get there, many commentators assumed her keynote speech would be make or break for her.

A reminder of what happened - the speech was nothing short of shambolic with the set falling apart, the PM being ill and a comedian managing to give her a P45.

Although it was all out of her control, it only added to the image of a weak and damaged PM.

At the time I assumed she wouldn't make it to Christmas, as plotters began to swing into action and former party chairman Grant Shapps broke cover to demand she move aside.

But it all turned out to be a false start, a proper damp squib.

A plot leader was later quoted as saying: "We will bide our time and ask her to go when our numbers are overwhelming."

Then came last week, when DUP leader Arlene Foster reportedly helped break up Brexit talks between the PM and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker without agreement, over the issue of Northern Irelands's border.

Of course the PM needs the DUP's support because she does not have a majority in the House of Commons.

At one point last week the PM looked again in deep political trouble, with commentators wondering if she would survive.

She did when the agreement on phase one of talks was reached, and an announcement was made.

Because she survived last week, she will now definitely remain PM as we head into the new year. But I remain doubtful how long the current situation can continue into 2018.

How does any of last week's events, indeed the events of this year, strengthen her position as Prime Minister?

The problem the PM has is her position is constantly been questioned as each new problem arrives.

Many wonder what the final straw will be that brings her downfall.

I make no predictions when it will happen, but it looks inevitable.

Who knows PM May, may even choose to walk away next year.