In February 1975, Margaret Thatcher took over the leadership of the Conservative Party from Edward Heath. The West Woolwich by-election later that year was, therefore, the first time the attitude of voters to the new leader could be gauged. Richard West followed the Tory candidate, Peter Bottomley, around the borough as he sought to drum up support. What he heard was praise for Heath and little enthusiasm for Thatcher. An unscientific poll found Heath “sincere”, “stern” and “eloquent” while she was “not a natural lady”, “lacking natural appeal” and someone who “sounds cold”. Few seemed to be optimistic about her political longevity.
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