The approach of British Prime Minister Theresa May to Chinese investment could lead to British Treasury Minister Jim O'Neill quitting his post.

According to a source, May intervened last week to delay the final decision on a nuclear power project partly funded by Chinese investors, Reuters reported. May has reportedly expressed concern in the past over the national security implications of the planned investment from China.

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May was promoted to the Prime Minister post after David Cameron resigned from his post following the historical Brexit.

O'Neill is a member of the un-elected Upper House of Parliament and works in the Finance Ministry as the Commercial Secretary. His duties include infrastructure policy and promoting Britain as a source of foreign direct investment.

An insider claims that O'Neill was baffled about why he was asked to remain in his post despite the change of Prime Minister. Now, with the changes on the project related to China, O'Neill is reportedly baffled and will quit unless May can explain why he still wants him to keep his job.

O'Neill and former finance minister George Osborne have been involved in the project, and he has been pushing for Britain to have a better relationship with China, Business Insider reported. The two have been pushing for a "Golden Era" between the two countries, which is based on wooing the Chinese investment to the British infrastructure sector.

China General Nuclear Power Corp (CGN) is expected to invest around $7.93 billion in the Hinkley Point nuclear project. CGN would have a 33 percent stake in the project.

It remains unclear if the project will push through. A decision is reportedly due by September or October. 

TagsBritish Prime Minister Theresa May, British Treasury Minister Jim O'Neill, resignation, Nuclear technology, china, chinese investment, China-funded project, former finance minister George Osborne