Letter to Sir Keith Joseph MP (resignation)
| Document type: | Speeches, interviews, etc. |
|---|---|
| Venue: | No.10 Downing Street |
| Source: | Thatcher MSS (Churchill Archive Centre): THCR |
| Editorial comments: | Sir Keith Joseph’s letter of resignation precedes MT’s. |
| Importance ranking: | Major |
| Word count: | 425 |
| Themes: | Executive (appointments), Conservative Party (history) |
Dear Margaret
As you have known for some months, I have thought that a fresh voice is needed at DES to carry forward and develop our policies for better education at all levels of ability in schools and for improved standards in further and higher education. I am now writing to ask you to accept my resignation.
I have relished hugely the opportunity to work under your leadership, first at Industry and then at Education and Science. I will from the back benches enthusiastically support your and the Government's policies to encourage enterprise and competitiveness in the country's trade as the necessary base for more jobs and for the quality and scale of public and social services.
Thank you for unfailing personal warmth and kindness over many years.
Yours ever
(Signed) Sir Keith JosephKeith
My dear Keith
When towards the end of last year, you told me of your decision not to stand again at the next election, I received the news with a sad heart. You more than anyone else were the architect, who, starting from first principles and involving many people, shaped the policies which led to victory in two elections. Our debt to you is great indeed.
You also asked then to be relieved of your post as Secretary of State for Education at a time which was convenient for the Government. Together with other Ministerial colleagues you have been considering new policies for the future and we both feel that a new Secretary of State should take over and bring forward proposals for decision.
Yours has been a unique career. You first entered Government in 1959, became a Cabinet Minister in 1962 and have served in the Cabinets of four Conservative Prime Ministers. You have held responsibility for many of the main areas of policy. Housing and Local Government, Social Services, Industry, and Education and Science. In each Department you have remarkable achievements to your credit.
Your time in Government will perhaps be remembered most of all for a passionate concern for the future of our country and its people and for your rare intellectual grasp of policy in all fields.
Your integrity, selflessness and thought for others are an example to us all. I am so happy that Her Majesty The Queen has graciously consented to make you a Companion of Honour.
We shall all miss you but we shall continue to work together on policies for the future.
Yours ever
(Signed) Margaret