Over a decade before Margaret Thatcher swept to power, another woman was running Britain from 10 Downing Street: Marcia Williams was the first ever female political adviser to a Prime Minister and was said to have a powerful grip on her boss.Historians have described the relationship between Marcia and Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson as one of the most famous but mysterious partnerships in modern political history. A brilliant tactician, Marcia masterminded Wilson's multiple election victories. Indeed, he said that but for her ingenuity, he would never have become Prime Minister.But misogyny, jealousy, a shocking private life and accusations of money-grubbing and bribery all contributed to her reputation as a public nuisance. Marcia's young and ambitious male colleagues said she humiliated and screamed at Wilson, single-handedly ruining his chances of being remembered as a 'great' Prime Minister.There is no doubt Marcia was outspoken, forthright and, by contemporary standards, deeply unconventional. But her critics failed to understand her unbreakable partnership with Wilson - they were politically wedded to each other and equal contributors to his success.In this passionate and fascinating biography, Linda McDougall seeks to rescue Marcia from previously dismissive verdicts, suggesting a more nuanced context in which to assess her actions and reactions and restoring this trailblazing pioneer to her rightful place in British political history.
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Marcia Williams 9781785907524 Hardback
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- Authors:
- McDougall, Linda
- Year Published:
- 2023
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Format:
- Hardback
- ISBN:
- 9781785907524
- Number of Pages:
- 304
- Publication Date:
- 07/11/2023
- Publisher:
- Biteback Publishing
- Place of Publication:
- London
- Language:
- English
- SKU:
- 9781785907524