Cecil Parkinson: Underestimated – but unbowed Even among Mrs Thatcher’s original shadow Cabinet, there were those who simply did not believe that she would be capable of dealing with the problems of a declining country. To a man they were wrong. Each underestimated the determination of Margaret Thatcher. She did not regard the manifesto on which
In 1975, when Keith Joseph dropped out of the race for the Tory leadership and his campaign manager stepped into his place, almost no one took it seriously. She was ‘precisely the sort of candidate… who ought to be able to stand, and lose, harmlessly’ said the Economist. Only one publication in Britain backed her
One of the highlights of today’s Commons tributes to Margaret Thatcher was the contribution of Malcolm Rifkind, who served in Thatcher’s government throughout her time as Prime Minister. Here’s the full audio of his speech: listen to ‘Sir Malcolm Rifkind’s tribute to Margaret Thatcher, 10 Apr 13’ on Audioboo
listen to ‘Ed Miliband’s tribute to Margaret Thatcher, 10 Apr 13’ on Audioboo
listen to ‘David Cameron’s tribute to Margaret Thatcher, 10 Apr 13’ on Audioboo
This morning, Andrew Neil presented a Radio 4 special recalling how voters felt about Margaret Thatcher. Including opinions from her supporters and detractors, it’s a fascinating look into how she was perceived by the electorate throughout key moments in her premiership. Here is what people had to say: On her public perception: ‘She doesn’t convince
Tomorrow’s newspapers pay tribute to Margaret Thatcher, some praising her for changing Britain for the better, others nodding at her ability to divide opinions, even in death.
Today we lost a great leader, a great Prime Minister and a great Briton. Margaret Thatcher didn’t just lead our country – she saved our country. And we should never forget that the odds were stacked against her. She was the shopkeeper’s daughter from Grantham who made it to the highest office in the land. There were
“I don’t think there will be a woman Prime Minister in my lifetime.” – 1975 ‘To those waiting with bated breath for that favourite media catchphrase, the U-turn, I have only one thing to say. You turn if you want to. The lady’s not for turning.’ ‘I always cheer up immensely if an attack is
Margaret Thatcher died this morning following a stroke. Downing Street said this afternoon that the former Conservative Prime Minister’s funeral will have the same status as the Queen Mother and Princess Diana, with full military honours, a service at St Paul’s Cathedral, followed by a private cremation. She will not lie in state, in accordance with
‘Which letters of the law would you like to abide by?’
‘HELP!!’
‘Don’t you think you’re taking a risk, not wearing flight socks?’
‘Twitter’s OK, but I don’t get anything like the satisfaction I used to get from a good old-fashioned poison-pen letter.’
‘How long have you felt like a man trapped in a woman’s body?’
‘Have you noticed how the gap between the poor and the poor is widening?’
‘Dad loves the large print on his Kindle.’
‘In hindsight, I regret curing him of his sex addiction.’