Margaret Thatcher: From MP to PM | Mrs Thatcher's journey from Finchley to Downing Street
CHANNEL | BBC 1
FIRST BROADCAST | 04 May 1979
DURATION | 11 minutes 14 seconds
FIRSTBROADCAST
1979
This excerpt from the BBC's coverage of the 1979 general election shows the moment that Margaret Thatcher's victory was confirmed. It comes while Robin Day interviews Conservative MP Norman St John-Stevas about the likelihood of his serving in the new cabinet. Lady Marcia Falkender provides an unusual insight into some of the less obvious issues facing the new Prime Minister, such as whether she or her husband will get the biggest bed at 10 Downing Street.
Norman St John-Stevas joined Margaret Thatcher's government as Minister for the Arts and Leader of the House of Commons, though he was dismissed two years later. Lady Falkender was formerly known as Marcia Williams. She was private and political secretary to Harold Wilson from 1956 onwards and ran his political office when he was Prime Minister. She continued to handle his private business after he retired from politics until his death in 1995.
An early and witty performance by Margaret Thatcher on this political panel show.
The first profile of Margaret Thatcher as Minister for Education.
Why Margaret Thatcher was dubbed 'Thatcher, Thatcher Milk Snatcher'.
Nice hats - the truth behind the 'Tory lady' stereotype.
An exploration of the experiences of women in domestic politics.
School children interrogate Margaret Thatcher.
Anthony King talks politics, history and poetry with Margaret Thatcher.
'Do you think the country is ready for a woman Prime Minister?'
The battle for leadership intensifies as the party prepares for a second ballot.
Margaret Thatcher's first interview after becoming Conservative Party leader.
Margaret Thatcher outlines her policies for running the country.
The launch of the Conservative manifesto for the 1979 general election.

Margaret Thatcher has an overall majority in Parliament.
The results come in from Margaret Thatcher's Finchley constituency.
'Where there is discord, may we bring harmony': Margaret Thatcher becomes Prime Minister.
A letter asking Margaret Thatcher to take part in a radio programme.
A memo to the producer of 'Any Questions?' about Margaret Thatcher.
Production notes from an interview with Margaret Thatcher on 'Woman's Hour'.
Production notes from a discussion about punishment of offenders with Margaret Thatcher.
A memo on the suitability of Margaret Thatcher for television appearances.
Nicholas Harman outlines plans for a profile of Margaret Thatcher on 'Panorama'.
The Controller of Educational Broadcasting gives a rundown of Margaret Thatcher's interests in the BBC.
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