John Major's Memoirs Cast Shadow Over Conservative Party Conference

Former Prime Minister John Major's explosive memoirs, where he criticizes Margaret Thatcher's approach to Europe, overshadowed the start of the Conservative Party conference. Mr. Major accused Lady Thatcher of having a split personality on Europe, often being hostile in private while publicly expressing support. He also claimed that she had an "autocratic" approach, as her political instincts declined. Meanwhile, Lady Thatcher dismissed reports of her being critical of William Hague's leadership, instead hailing him as a superb opposition leader.

Key Takeaways:

• John Major's memoirs revealed a split personality on Europe by Margaret Thatcher, who was publicly supportive but privately hostile.
• Lady Thatcher had a gut reaction that was much more hostile to Europe, which Major said made her approach to Europe unpredictable.
• Major accused Thatcher of having "warrior characteristics" that were "profoundly un-Conservative" and claimed she had an autocratic approach to politics.
• Lady Thatcher denied reports of her being critical of William Hague's leadership, instead praising him as a superb opposition leader.
• Major's memoirs revealed that he had been developing misgivings about Thatcher's approach, particularly towards Europe.
• Thatcher's view on Germany was that "Brittain's role was to stop it," according to Major's account.
• Major claimed that Thatcher's approach to Europe was "as much pragmatist over Europe as she was sceptic."

Statistics:

• 2 world wars, according to Lady Thatcher, proved that Germany was expansionist by instinct.
• 1 shower of vivid commentary on Margaret Thatcher's reaction to Europe, according to John Major.
• The Conservative Party conference was overshadowed by Major's memoirs.

Sources:

• Sunday Times
• Daily Telegraph