Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Remarks visiting Rotherham (by-election)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Rotherham
Source: Yorkshire Post, 17 June 1976
Editorial comments: Exact time and place uncertain.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 346
Themes: Economic policy - theory and process, By-elections, Labour Party & socialism

Mrs Thatcher goes walkabout

The Tory Leader, Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, surprised shoppers when she went on a walkabout in a Rotherham square yesterday.

Her visit to the traditionally-Labour steel town was the first by a Conservative leader since Mr. Edward Heath went there about a decade ago.

As she cheerfully signed autographs and shook hands with passers—by, Mrs. Thatcher found herself surrounded by hundreds of well-wishers.

First she found time for an unexpected visit to Arnold Road Nursery School where she talked with teachers and parents and helped infants to prepare pastry in a cookery class.

Then she met party workers supporting Mr. Doug Hinckley, a Sheffield businessman, who is Conservative candidate in the Rotherham by-election to be held on June 24. The vacancy was caused by the death of the Labour MP, Mr. Brian O'Malley, who had a 17,000 majority.

Mrs. Thatcher said nobody could have made a worse mess of the economy than the present Government. It had brought about the highest prices and the highest unemployment through mismanagement.

The country could stand on its own feet if there was a policy which could give proper rewards for those prepared to work hard.

Last night Mr. James Prior, Shadow Employment Secretary, told party workers in the town that the fate of the nation lay with the by-election. If electors returned Mr. Hinckley they could almost certainly bring down the Government.

Other candidates standing are Mr. Stan Crowther, a former Mayor of Rotherham (Labour) Miss Beth Graham, a town councillor (Liberal); Mr. George Wright, a Keighley builder (National Front); a law student, Mr. Robin Atkinson (English Independent Party), and a retired scientists, Mr. Peter Bishop (World Grid Sunshine Room Party).