Letter on Chris Patten’s role (denying demotion)

Document type:	Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue:	House of Commons
Source:	The Times, 31 May 1978
Editorial comments:	The Times, 29 May 1978, had reported that MT’s appointment of David Wolfson to the post of "Shadow Cabinet Secretary" (in place of Chris Patten) was the result of suggestions by Sir Keith Joseph and Angus Maude that Shadow Cabinet minutes failed to reflect their views. Joseph and Maude also denied the story.
Importance ranking:	Major
Word count:	221

Conservative Party posts

From the Leader of the Opposition Sir, On Monday you printed a story about the reason for a change in the duties of Chris Patten, the Director of the Conservative Research Department, which was just not true.

As you know, I never make any complaint about things said concerning me, but when you cast a slur on any member of my staff, I must protest in the strongest possible terms.

Chris Patten is a most valued and trusted colleague. The work-load he has had to bear has been so great that it would have broken a lesser man.

We are in the run-up to an election and I am trying to relieve the principal members of my team of as much routine as possible so that we can concentrate on planning the campaign and the early period in government. In this supremely important work Chris Patten will be a key person. That is the reason for the change. My confidence in him is complete and I am sorry you thought fit to insinuate the opposite.

Neither Sir Keith Joseph nor Mr Airey Neave gave any advice to me on this matter. Your report in that respect was also wholly untrue.

Finally, Shadow Cabinet Minutes record facts and decisions and have been done accurately. Yours faithfully, Margaret Thatcher. House of Commons. May 30.