Peter Hoskin

Thatcher’s new model speech

As a few CoffeeHousers’ have pointed out, Ben Brogan’s column today is useful not just for the single snippet which I mentioned earlier.  Amid a sharp analysis of what the two party leaders are looking to achieve over the next few weeks, Brogan also notes that Team Cameron are reading through Margaret Thatcher’s speech to the 1978 Tory conference in prepation for Cameron’s own pre-election conference address.  In which case, I’ve pasted Thatcher’s speech below with a few comments on what Cameron may look to draw from it:

Speech to Conservative Party conference, Margaret Thatcher, 13 October 1978

I must first thank you, Madame Chairman, for the wonderful heart-warming welcome. I confess that this is the biggest birthday party that I have ever had. I just do not know whether my parents had in mind the timing of the party conference, but if that is what is meant by family planning I am all for it.

PH: A rare talent: telling good political jokes. 

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