Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Letter to Edwina Currie MP (resignation)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: No.10 Downing Street
Source: Thatcher Archive
Editorial comments: Edwina Currie’s letter precedes MT’s.
Importance ranking: Major
Word count: 429
Themes: Executive (appointments), Health policy

Dear Margaret,

When I asked to see you this morning I told you that, having considered the matter very carefully, I had concluded that I should offer my resignation from the Government. I think that in all the circumstances this is the best course.

It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to be a Minister in the Department of Health under your leadership. Your immensely successful efforts to improve the economy have made possible record funding for the National Health Service, producing standards of health care for all our people, especially women, unrivalled in the world. Greater prosperity has also made people far more interested in the promotion and preservation of good health, a movement in which I am proud to have played a part.

You first appointed me as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Sir Keith (now Lord) Joseph at the Department of Education and Science. Since then I have served as a Minister under three Secretaries of State—Norman Fowler, John Moore and Kenneth Clarke—and would like to put on record my admiration for all of them, and appreciation of their help and guidance.

Finally my thanks to you personally, for your encouragement, for your wisdom and courage, and for all you are doing for our country. I remain a firm and committed supporter of the Conservative Party and this Government and look forward to further successes in the years to come.

Yours ever

Edwina [end p1]

Dear Edwina CurrieEdwina,

I have received your letter today with great personal sadness. It has, I know, been a very difficult time and I fully understand your reasons for resigning.

We shall miss the great energy and enthusiasm you have brought to all your work both for the Government and for the Party in the country. No-one could have worked harder or more loyally, not only for your own department but in support of Government policy as a whole.

At the Department of Health you have made a tremendous contribution, among other things, in making all of us realise that better health is not just the responsibility of doctors and nurses but that so much depends on the way we look after ourselves and our families.

In the country you have been tireless in promoting our cause. Locally you helped to achieve notable successes in Derbyshire where most recently we won control of Derby City Council.

I know that you will remain a staunch supporter for everything we are trying to do. We shall continue to work together for what we both believe in.