05 February, 1975

British politician, a minister in successive Labour governments and latterly a member of the European Parliament.

The papers are full of Margaret Thatcher. She has lent herself with grace and charm to every piece of photographer's gimmickry, but don't we all when the prize is big enough? What interests me now is how blooming she looks - she has never been prettier. I am interested because I understand this phenomenon. She may have been up late on the Finance Bill Committee, she is beset by enemies and has to watch every gesture and word. But she sails through it all looking her best. I understand why. She is in love: in love with power, success - and with herself. She looks as I looked when Harold made me Minister of Transport. If we have to have Tories, good luck to her!