Churches and dictators, politics and papers

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In an attempt to be topical, here’s a couple of Thatcher-related nuggets.

Facing an uphill battle to win the 1979 election which Thatcher looked certain to walk away with, advisors for the incumbent, Jim Callaghan, suggested he appear on TV with celebrities:

Brian Clough and Marjorie Proops are possibles. (Elton John is said to be Labour, but has a complicated image)

Referring specifically to attracting young voters to the party, an advisor wrote:

This is always difficult (Elton John would help here). But he added the flamboyant singer’s complicated image should also be considered.

And all that political crap

In 1987 Smash Hits magazine interviewed Thatcher at 10 Downing Street and was asked:
How do you react to today’s left wing pop acts who can’t wait to get you out of Number 10?

Amongst the irrelevant waffle of a typical politician’s answer, she had the following to say:

I’ve watched Elton John, too, who was highly professional – but I’m so sad that he’s having this difficulty with his throat. Highly professional.

Make of this what you will.