Britain: Thatcher's Time to Go

Facing a Tory revolt, Thatcher steps aside. Now her successor must attempt to match her considerable influence at home and abroad.

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That may be harder than it seems. The ideological right wing seethed with rage at what it saw as Heseltine's betrayal in contesting Thatcher for the leadership. In an editorial, the London Times said the challenge was "monstrous cruel," exemplifying "squalid maneuvering by an introverted male establishment terrified it might lose office." Still, the voice of that same British establishment went on in its editorial to fault Thatcher for complacency. She was blamed for failing to defuse the threat to her position that had begun 10 days earlier with the devastating resignation speech in the House of Commons by Sir Geoffrey Howe, former Deputy Prime Minister.

Howe launched Thatcher's downfall. He attacked the Prime Minister's public undermining of her ministers' policies, comparing it to sending out batsmen in a cricket game with their bats broken by the captain. He said Thatcher saw a continent "positively teeming with ill-intentioned people scheming, in her words, 'to extinguish democracy.' "

Howe closed by saying the tragedy for him, his party and the country was that Thatcher's attitude toward Europe was risking the "future of our nation." In resigning, he invited "others to consider their response" to his "conflict of loyalty." It was an invitation to insurrection. No one doubted that if Howe had not made that speech, Heseltine would not have dared a leadership challenge. On Saturday Howe threw his support behind Heseltine.

For all the hand wringing among the Tories about Thatcher's departure, most were looking forward to a smooth transition to the next government. One by one, the issues that exploded under Thatcher were expected to be defused, starting with her grating style of leadership. From now on, the contenders pledged, collegial government would be the rule. Heseltine has announced that he would be ready to serve under either Hurd or Major if he loses the leadership race. Hurd and Major also seem willing to become players on somebody else's team.

All three agree on how to deal with the European Community. Said Major, echoing the views of the others: "I don't have a shred of doubt that we could negotiate an agreement ((over economic and political union)) with our European partners that would be perfectly acceptable to Britain." In that respect, Major admitted he was differing from Thatcher.

As Chancellor of the Exchequer, Major has a solid reputation in economic affairs, but his youth and relative inexperience in the Cabinet are held against him. Hurd, on the other hand, is regarded as experienced, wise and with the necessary "bottom," a Tory expression for depth of character. His drawbacks: a lack of expertise in economic affairs and any talents for arousing voters in an election campaign. Hurd and Major are friends with great mutual respect; they are also a bit like Tweedledee and Tweedledum to many Britons. Heseltine is different, controversial, and he has one great advantage: he can fire up a crowd.

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