Margaret Roberts, the daughter of a grocer, was born in Grantham, Lincolnshire, on 13th October, 1925. After graduating from Oxford University she worked as a research chemist but later studied law and eventually became a barrister.

On 13th December, 1951 she married Denis Thatcher, a successful businessman and as a member of the Conservative Party, Margaret Thatcher was elected to represent Finchley in October 1959. Two years later she joined the government of Harold Macmillan as joint parliamentary secretary for Pensions and National Insurance.

The Conservative Party was defeated in the 1964 General Election and Harold Wilson became the new prime minister. Edward Heath, the new leader of the Conservatives, appointed her as Opposition Spokesman on Pensions and National Insurance. She later held opposition posts on Housing (October 1965), Treasury (April 1966), Fuel and Power (October 1967), Transport (November, 1968) and Education (October, 1969).

Following the Conservative victory in the 1970 General Election, Mrs.Thatcher became Secretary of State for Education and Science. In October 1970 she created great controversy by bringing an end to free school milk for children over seven and increasing school meal charges.

Edward Heath, the prime minister, came into conflict with the trade unions over his attempts to impose a prices and incomes policy. His attempts to legislate against unofficial strikes led to industrial disputes. In 1973 The miners’ strikes which were a blatent attempt by Arthur Scargill to bring down the government, led to regular power cuts and the imposition of a three day week. Heath called a general election in 1974 on the issue of “who rules". He failed to get a majority and Harold Wilson and the Labour Party were returned to power.

In January 1975 Mrs.Thatcher challenged Edward Heath for the leadership of the Conservative Party. On 4th February She defeated him by 130 votes to 119 and became the first woman leader of a major political party. Heath took the defeat badly and refused to serve in Thatcher’s shadow cabinet. This is where this amazing story really begins. (more…)