Margaret Thatcher remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern British political history. Fifty years after she became leader of the Conservative Party, she continues to inspire adoration among Tories, grudging respect from some Labour leaders, and intense dislike from many on the left and in working-class communities. Her ascent to power in 1975 marked a turning point in political history, as she went on to win three general elections, reshape the Conservative Party, and leave an indelible mark on the UK and the world. Her leadership style, policies, and legacy continue to influence contemporary politics, even as the current political landscape bears little resemblance to the era in which she rose to prominence.
Thatcher’s journey to the top of British politics was nothing short of remarkable. At 49, she became the first female leader of the Conservative Party, defeating Edward Heath in a shocking result in the first ballot and later William Whitelaw in the second. Her husband, Denis, famously remarked, “Heath will murder you,” when she told him of her decision to stand. Yet, Thatcher’s determination and conviction carried her through, even as she herself had once doubted whether a woman could become prime minister. “I don’t think there will be a woman prime minister in my lifetime,” she had said in a 1973 TV interview, a statement that would later seem ironic given her eventual rise to power. Her victory was backed by a powerful group of Tory MPs known as the “Milk Street mafia,” led by the controversial Edward du Cann, who played a significant role in her leadership campaign.
Upon becoming leader, Thatcher appointed William Whitelaw as her deputy, a man who would serve her loyally until his stroke in 1988. Her relationship with Whitelaw was emblematic of her leadership style—pragmatic, loyal, and effective. Her famous quip, “Every prime minister needs a Willie,” has become a memorable phrase in British political folklore. Thatcher’s rise coincided with a Labour government led by Harold Wilson, who had won four general elections but would step down a year later in favor of James Callaghan. While Wilson was a master of political strategy and image, Thatcher was about to redefine the rules of the political game.
Thatcher’s premiership was defined by her radical policies, which collectively became known as “Thatcherism.” She championed the idea of “rolling back the frontiers of the state,” introducing measures such as council house sales, privatization of state-owned industries, and a tough crackdown on trade unions. Her government also implemented spending cuts and tax reductions, which polarized opinion but cemented her reputation as a conviction politician. When faced with rising unemployment and calls to change course in 1980, she famously declared, “The lady’s not for turning,” a phrase that encapsulated her unwavering resolve. Her premiership was also marked by two defining events: the Falklands War in 1982, which boosted her popularity and reinforced her reputation as a strong leader, and the bruising miners’ strike of 1984-85, which remains a source of bitter division to this day.
Thatcher’s impact extended far beyond the UK. She forged a close alliance with US President Ronald Reagan, with whom she shared a commitment to combating communism and promoting free-market economics. The Soviets had already dubbed her the “Iron Lady,” a nickname she embraced as a testament to her toughness. Her work ethic was legendary; she claimed to need only four hours of sleep each night and rarely took holidays. Alison Wakeham, her former secretary, recalled that Thatcher would Long for a telephone call signaling a world crisis, such was her appetite for action and leadership. Abroad, she was seen as a formidable and unyielding figure, qualities that would have likely earned her the respect of leaders like Donald Trump in a different era.
Despite her many critics, Thatcher’s legacy endures. In 2020, Kemi Badenoch, the current Conservative leader, described her as “inspirational” for transforming a nation in decline through her politics of conviction. Badenoch’s robust views and no-nonsense style have drawn comparisons to Thatcher, though Charles Moore, Thatcher’s biographer, has noted significant differences between the two leaders. While Thatcher faced no serious challenge from the right, Badenoch must contend with the rising influence of Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. On the Labour side, Sir Keir Starmer, who has praised Thatcher’s ability to bring about meaningful change, faces his own challenges. Unlike Harold Wilson, the Labour leader Starmer admires, he has struggled to connect with voters and project a compelling vision for the future.
Thatcher’s influence extends beyond the Conservative Party. Even Labour leaders like Gordon Brown have acknowledged her impact, praising her as a conviction politician and commissioning a portrait of her for Downing Street. Sir Keir Starmer, however, recently moved her portrait from the Thatcher Room, a decision that sparked criticism from Tory MPs. Starmer has also invoked Thatcher’s legacy in his commitment to cutting red tape and promoting economic growth, drawing parallels between her deregulation efforts in the 1980s and his own policy agenda. Yet, Starmer’s leadership style and political acumen are a far cry from Wilson’s, who was a master of political strategy and image. While Wilson’s government achieved significant social reforms, his approach was more pragmatic and calculating, in contrast to Thatcher’s ideological certainty.
The comparisons between 1975 and 2023 highlight the challenges faced by today’s leaders. Kemi Badenoch and Sir Keir Starmer are both struggling to replicate the success of Thatcher and Wilson, who were both defined by their conviction and their ability to connect with voters. While Badenoch’s future looks uncertain, with some predicting she may not last 18 months as leader, Starmer’s prospects are equally bleak. A recent poll placed Reform UK ahead of Labour, while Starmer’s own team has questioned his leadership abilities. The legacy of Margaret Thatcher and Harold Wilson serves as a reminder of the high bar set by their generation of political leaders—a bar that today’s leaders are finding difficult to clear.
In conclusion, Margaret Thatcher’s 50th anniversary as Conservative leader offers a moment to reflect on her enduring influence and the challenges of modern leadership. While her policies and legacy continue to divide opinion, her impact on British politics is undeniable. As Kemi Badenoch and Sir Keir Starmer navigate the complexities of contemporary governance, they would do well to learn from the conviction and resolve of Margaret Thatcher, even as they grapple with the vastly different realities of the 21st century.
