A forthcoming book reveals Thatcher at the height of her powers

THE second of Charles Moore’s epic three-volume authorised biography of Margaret Thatcher covers the period between the aftermath of the Falklands war in 1982 and her third (and final) election victory in 1987, when her powers were at their zenith. It is an extraordinary story of how personal dominance combined with constant political insecurity and admirable moral courage could often contrast with appalling behaviour towards colleagues. Mr Moore, a distinguished Tory journalist who began this great project 18 years ago, is a sympathetic and sensitive observer. But while clearly convinced of Thatcher’s greatness, he is no cheerleader. His political judgments throughout are shrewd and balanced.

It is often asserted that the Falklands victory was the reason for the Conservative victory in 1983. That is not true. The polls, and even the economy, had begun to turn before the Argentines launched their attack. With the opposition split thanks to the emergence of the SDP and Labour’s suicidal leftward lurch, Thatcher would have won anyway. The main political effect of the Falklands was hugely to boost Thatcher’s self-confidence both in her dealings with the cabinet, where her authority became absolute, and in her conviction that thanks to her leadership Britain could reclaim its place on the world stage as an upholder of individual freedom and international order. Her earlier caution was replaced by a mix of economic radicalism and flag-waving patriotism; the sentimental “I Vow to Thee My Country” was her favourite hymn. This approach became known as Thatcherism, which Mr Moore describes as a vision of national revival rather than a doctrine. It was, he writes, “more restorationist than revolutionary, though the restoration would sometimes require revolutionary methods”.