On Monday, 27th October, Boodles and CFCC members gathered for an engaging evening with Lord Moore of Etchingham, accompanied by Baroness Meyer, Baroness Nicholson, and Baroness Hooper. The event included a dinner, a talk, and a book signing, focussing on the legacy of Margaret Thatcher as she might have approached her centenary.
Lord Moore, Chairman of The Spectator and former Editor of The Daily Telegraph, The Spectator, and The Sunday Telegraph, still writes for all three. He is renowned as the authorised biographer of Margaret Thatcher in three volumes, published in 2013, 2015 and 2019. The latest volume, The Authorized Biography of Margaret Thatcher, is a much-shortened single-volume edition version in one volume, published in September this year.
The evening's theme, "Thatcher at 100: How Grantham Went Global," explored Mrs Thatcher's impact on world affairs. Lord Moore emphasised her foresight regarding the dangers of fascism and communism, concerns that shaped her worldview from a young age. He recounted her famous assessment of Mikhail Gorbachev, saying, "this is a man I can do business with," highlighting her commitment to robust argument, discussion, and engagement on the international stage.
Thatcher believed that "light is coming from the West" and was famed for her uncompromising leadership as the "Iron Lady"—a phrase she redefined, asserting she was not simply "a man wearing a skirt." According to Lord Moore, she skilfully exploited her femininity, often using the contents of her handbag as both a metaphor and a message.
Serving as Prime Minister for eleven and a half years, Thatcher witnessed and responded to dramatic shifts in global politics. Lord Moore also reflected on present-day issues, warning of the dangers posed by the growing power of artificial intelligence, and lamenting the diminishing influence of Parliament: "We can only be better governed through the House of Commons."
He raised concerns about the infiltration of organisations by China and the reluctance to criticise its actions, observing, "no party has said what is wrong," and called for comprehensive analysis to address systemic failures. Lord Moore concluded with a sobering assessment of current leadership, stating, "I don't put very strong hopes on anyone at the moment," and warning that the UK risks placing itself "at a massive disadvantage on China and Russia."
The evening offered a thought-provoking look at Thatcher’s enduring legacy and the challenges faced by today’s leaders, as seen through the eyes of her most prominent biographer.
Photography by Guy Lucas [email protected]
