Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

TV Interview for BBC2 Midweek (after winning Conservative leadership) [“I almost wept when they told me. I DID weep”]

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Conservative Central Office, Smith Square, Westminster
Source: BBC Television Archive: OUP transcript
Journalist: Michael Cockerell, BBC
Editorial comments: Exact time and place uncertain, but probably at Central Office immediately after the Press Conference there. Incomplete.
Importance ranking: Major
Word count: 229
Themes: Conservative Party (organization), Conservative Party (history), Conservative (leadership elections)

Michael Cockerell, BBC

How do you describe your feelings on winning … words inaudible

MT

Well, a mixture really. I'm very very thrilled, a little apprehensive and I know there's a lot of work to be done.

Michael Cockerell, BBC

You said it was like a dream to you?

MT

Well, it is … it is in a way, to think that one is the next name after a long line of very very distinguished names, because my goodness, Edward Heath, Alec Douglas-Home, Harold Macmillan, Anthony Eden and then of course the great Winston. It is like a dream really. Wouldn't you think so? I almost wept when they told me. I did weep.

Michael Cockerell, BBC

You said … [words inaudible] … stamp of greatness. What style of leadership do you think you will … [words inaudible]

MT

Very much the style of the team. Er, we don't have a presidential system here. I run a strong team, of really strong people. Highly competent in their own departments and … responsibility … soundtrack fails altogether.