The State of the Party

After a year of “the monstrous regiment of women,” the British Conservative Party is in pretty good shape. Margaret Thatcher has played her hand very coolly and is beyond all question the head person. By doing the right thing at the right time and by doing nothing at another right time she has quietly isolated Edward Heath.

Since his deposition from the leadership, Heath has become considerably more popular among the not politically minded. His speech on the Common Market at the Oxford Union was widely admired, and even in the Commons he gets a more respectful hearing from the socialists than he ever did as Leader. But, at the same time, his chance of regaining the leadership has vanished. His remaining support for a challenge could now be squeezed into a taxi.

CB

About the Author

Colm Brogan

Featured Tags

Manage following

British Conservative Party

After a year of “the monstrous regiment of women,” the British Conservative Party is in pretty good shape. Margaret Thatcher has played her hand very coolly and is beyond all question the head person. By doing the right thing at the right time and by doing nothing at another right time she has quietly isolated Edward Heath.

Since his deposition from the leadership, Heath has become considerably more popular among the not politically minded. His speech on the Common Market at the Oxford Union was widely admired, and even in the Commons he gets a more respectful hearing from the socialists than he ever did as Leader. But, at the same time, his chance of regaining the leadership has vanished. His remaining support for a challenge could now be squeezed into a taxi.