For example, the same political system, we here in Canada have Harper there is no way he is popular but he keeps winning elections.
She won, like any other politician, because she was the best choice for the people at the time.
I don't think what the civil service thinks of you is of particular relevance. She may have been despised by the majority of people in the North of England, but she was (and is) revered across most of the Sourth.
Do not fool yourself into thinking she won on her own volition. She won because of external influences, at least some of which were the fault of her opposition.