Tory leader wins seat

Birmingham Post Reporter

The Conservative leader, Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, “won” her seat yesterday … on the production line.

She spent nearly ten minutes trying her hand at packing and wrapping at the Cadbury Schweppes factory in Bournville, Birmingham.

An instructor, Mrs. Betty Bowcott, aged 48, a Cadbury worker for 30 years, said: “She picked the job up very well. I'd certainly employ her if she loses.”

Mrs. Thatcher told The Birmingham Post later: “It was really warm in the factory, but it was marvellous, a real break.

Her visit was in the heart of Selly Oak, the Labour marginal where Mr. Anthony Beaumont Dark, a West Midlands county councillor, is the Conservative candidate.

Mrs. Thatcher gave a wedding card to Miss Susan Bridgewater, aged 23, an assembly worker, of Wisley Way, Quinton, who is to be married on Saturday.

Miss Bridgewater said later: “I shall always treasure her card. She gave me a few tips on housework

When she arrived at the factory she donned protective clothes before having a go, successfully, at packing “creme eggs” in boxes.

But when she tried her hand at packing chocolates, she missed a few trays and said: “It takes a lot of concentration.”