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By the last week of the campaign, her popularity had reached such a peak that the bookmakers had to close off betting when the odds reached 1 to 10 for a Williams victory. The clincher came when the Times of London unleashed its thunder, generally reserved for Conservative candidates, in her support. Said the Times: "It is hard to think of any other politician today who can inspire the warmth and trust that she does." The Times neatly absolved the nagging consciences of Crosby's Tory voters by reminding them that they did "not have to decide whether they would like a Social Democratic government but whether they would like an extra Social Democrat in the House of Commons."
In the end, Williams drew virtually the same percentage of switches from both Labor and the Tories. The Labor defections reflected the dismay in the party over the intense left-right struggle. The Tories' poor showing was seen as a repudiation of Prime Minister Thatcher's monetarist economic policies and a protest against the country's record unemployment.
Williams' victory also enhances her chances in the S.D.P.'s leadership contest. Since it was founded, the party has been led by four former Labor Cabinet ministers: Williams, Roy Jenkins, William Rodgers and David Owen. But the party will have to choose one designated leader before the next election, a choice that could cause a problem. Within the Social Democrats' inner circle, one faction wants the selection to be made on a one member-one vote basis, a procedure that would favor Williams, whose support is strong among the grass roots. Others want the choice to be decided by the party's M.P.s, who would probably favor Jenkins.
In a contest with Jenkins, 61, who has served as Chancellor of the Exchequer, deputy party leader and president of the European Commission, Williams has some disadvantages. Although celebrated for her eloquence, sincerity and thoughtfulness, critics fault her for a reluctance to make tough decisions and for her helter-skelter ways. But she has one singular advantage over Jenkins. Before the leadership decision is made late next year, he will have to win a seat in Parliament. Jenkins, the first to run under the new S.D.P. banner, narrowly lost a by-election in Warrington last July to a Laborite.
Meanwhile, Shirley Williams had undeniably established herself as a personality to be reckoned with in British politics. Margaret Thatcher, who watched the results on TV in her private quarters at 10 Downing Street, had every reason to pay close attention to the victor. Some newspapers described Williams as the probable successor to the Prime Minister. As Labor M.P. Roy Hattersley put it: "Acknowledging Mrs. Williams' extraordinary ability to walk spotless through the minefield of party politics requires neither graciousness nor chivalry. It is a simple fact."
This week Williams will join the 22 Labor defectors and one ex-Tory to take her seat in the House of Commons under the S.D.P. banner. As on election night, she may well recite John Dryden:
'Tis well an old age is out, And time to begin a new.
—By Marguerite Johnson. Reported by Bonnie Angelo/London