2 a.m. finish to day of triumph

Tired but triumphant—that was Mrs. Margaret Thatcher after her long day of victory finally ended at 2.30 a.m. today. Her smile revealed she knew she was making history.

Mrs. Thatcher, whose victory in last night's ballot had forced Edward Heath to resign as Tory Leader, is more than ready for the outcome.

As she let herself into her town house in Flood Street, Chelsea, today, Mrs. Thatcher said: “We are confident but cautious. We're over the first hurdle.”

She had spent the evening vigorously marshalling support for the next round in the battle, which will be voted on next Tuesday.

She held a Press conference at the House immediately after her 130 vote was announced.

Then, following a short period working in her private office, she dashed to a “working” cocktail party at the Westminster home of Abingdon MP Mr. Airey Neave, her principal campaign manager.

Then after dinner with her husband and Mr. Neave and his wife, Mrs. Thatcher resumed her seat in committee room 10, as chief Opposition spokesman in the debate on the major Finance Bill.