New Claims Challenge Legacy of Margaret Thatcher with Allegations of Extramarital Affairs
Table of Contents
A new biography alleges that the late British Prime Minister, long celebrated for her steadfast marriage, engaged in extramarital relationships and that her husband fostered an unexpected friendship after leaving office.
Margaret thatcher, frequently enough lauded for her political strength and unwavering public image, cultivated a narrative of a devoted marriage to Denis Thatcher. Described by the former Prime minister as “the golden thread running through my life,” their union spanned over 50 years and remained conspicuously free of public scandal – until now. A new book, The Incidental Feminist by Tina Gaudoin, presents a series of claims challenging this long-held perception.
Allegations of Affairs with Fellow Politicians
According to Gaudoin, multiple sources, including a former Tory minister, corroborated these claims. Specifically, the author states that sources identified Sir Humphrey Atkins, a prominent figure in Conservative politics, as a potential partner in a later affair. Atkins served as edward Heath’s chief whip and later as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland between 1979 and 1981, eventually being granted a life peerage in 1987.
Jonathan Aitken, a novelist and former Conservative minister, reportedly told Gaudoin that rumors of a relationship between Thatcher and Atkins circulated at the time. “There were informed rumours to that effect at the time,” Aitken is quoted as saying. “His good looks might have appealed to her, but his political brain was hopeless.” Another unnamed politician reportedly joked that Atkins’ consistent promotions suggested a reason beyond merit.
A Close Aide’s Alleged Intimacy
The allegations extend beyond potential affairs to include a reportedly close relationship with Lord Bell, thatcher’s head of public relations. Gaudoin writes that sources described Bell’s habit of placing his hand on Thatcher’s knee during dinners as “one of her favourite things,” suggesting a level of intimacy. However,Gaudoin notes that these claims rely solely on Bell’s own accounts,as he reportedly discussed the incidents before his death in 2019.
Despite these claims,Lord Moore,author of Thatcher’s authorized biography,expressed skepticism. “I have heard the Atkins rumour in the past, but there is no evidence that I have ever seen to support it,” Moore stated. He added that the Tim Bell rumor was entirely new to him and equally unlikely.
Denis Thatcher’s Unexpected Friendship
The book also reveals a surprising chapter in the post-political life of Denis Thatcher: a close friendship with Mandy Rice-Davies, a central figure in the infamous 1963 profumo affair.Gaudoin claims that after leaving 10 Downing street,Denis Thatcher exchanged affectionate letters with Rice-davies,beginning with “Mandy dear,” and engaged in discussions about military history and even shared holidays.
Sources described Rice-davies as possessing a captivating presence, noting that “a lot of people said that she was far more sexy in person than she appeared to be.” Contemporary accounts also highlight Thatcher’s own allure, with French President Valéry d’Estaing once remarking she had “the eyes of Caligula and the mouth of Marilyn Monroe.” Even within her own government, admiration for Thatcher’s appearance was noted, with Alan Clark praising her “dainty ankles” in his diary and Christopher Hitchens recounting an instance where she playfully spanked him with a parliamentary order paper.
Reassessing thatcher’s Feminist Legacy
Despite the potentially damaging revelations, Gaudoin argues that Thatcher should not be dismissed as anti-feminist. She contends that thatcher inadvertently advanced the cause of women by “normalising female power.” “There is an element amongst women that really don’t like her just becuase they don’t like her.I think we owe her a great debt actually,” Gaudoin stated at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.
The Incidental feminist offers a provocative re-examination of a complex political figure, challenging established narratives and prompting a renewed conversation about Margaret Thatcher’s personal life and enduring legacy.
