Badenoch and Budget give the Tories a good shot at renewal and revival
It will be tough, but the new leader of the Conservatives is well-placed to begin rebuilding her party by presenting a coherent challenge to Labour.
The Guardian’s correspondent described the exciting scene outside Conservative Central Office in Smith Square on the evening of 11 February 1975.
“Stepping with the utmost skill from a friend’s yellow MGB GT sports car, she was immediately into a barrage of questions. The queen-like figure in black taffeta - a pinkish tulip providing the only decoration - gave as good as she got.”
How did she feel about facing the Prime Minister, Mr Wilson, at the next general election? “About the same as he feels about facing me,” Thatcher responded.