Letter to Baroness Cox (resignation)

Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing to thank you very much for having given me the opportunity to serve in your government. I will always be grateful for the immensely valuable experience and for the kindness and support shown to me by all my colleagues.

However, after much thought, I feel I must regretfully resign because of the need to be free to pursue my various professional commitments—the general nature of which you are, I know, aware.

May I say once again how much I appreciate the privilege of serving in your government and I assure you of my continuing and wholehearted support.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Cox [end p1]

Baroness CoxDear CarolineThe,

Thank you for your letter of 30 July. I know how valuable Willie Whitelaw has found your help as a member of the Government in the House of Lords. Both he and I are very sorry that your other commitments prevent you from continuing to serve on the front bench. But I know that your professional activities are directed towards the improvement of educational standards and fully support the Government's objectives in that crucial area of our national life. While therefore I accept your resignation with regret, you have my wholehearted support and best wishes for your educational work.

Willie Whitelaw joins me in thanking you for your contribution as a member of the front bench and for the assurance of your continued support for the Government.

Warm regards,

Yours sincerely

Margaret Thatcher.

Thank you also for your personal letter—I do fully understand and endorse your view of the importance of your other work. M.T.