New Biography Claims Margaret Thatcher Had Two Affairs

The recently released biography, *The Incidental Feminist*, claims that former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had two extramarital affairs during her marriage to Denis Thatcher. The book, authored by Tina Gaudoin, presents revelations that challenge the public perception of the so-called “Iron Lady,” particularly regarding her personal life and political career.

Gaudoin discussed her findings at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, revealing that the first alleged affair occurred during Thatcher’s early years as a Member of Parliament. This claim is supported by several sources, including former Tory minister and novelist Jonathan Aitken, who stated that Thatcher became involved with another individual “very early on in her parliamentary career.” Aitken’s insights suggest that rumors circulated at the time about the former Prime Minister’s romantic entanglements.

The biography also suggests that Thatcher had a later affair with Sir Humphrey Atkins, who served as the MP for Spelthorne and held the position of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under her government from 1979 to 1981. He was made a life peer in 1987, becoming Lord Colnbrook. Aitken commented on the situation, saying, “There were knowledgeable rumours to that effect at the time. His good looks might have appealed to her, but his political brain was hopeless.”

Additionally, Gaudoin noted that Thatcher had what she described as an “extracurricular friendship” with Lord Bell, who served as her head of public relations. According to the biography, this relationship included moments where Bell would place his hand on Thatcher’s knee during dinner receptions. Gaudoin emphasized that such interactions were among Thatcher’s “favourite things,” suggesting a level of intimacy that surprised many.

While Lord Moore, who wrote Thatcher’s authorized biography, acknowledged he had heard the rumors about Atkins, he maintained that he had never found compelling evidence to substantiate them. Moore expressed skepticism regarding the claims about Lord Bell, labeling them as “vanishingly unlikely.”

The book was published in September 2023 to coincide with what would have been Thatcher’s 100th birthday. It also touches on Denis Thatcher’s unexpected friendship with Mandy Rice-Davies, a model and showgirl known for her involvement in the 1963 Profumo affair. Gaudoin alleged that Denis would holiday with Rice-Davies and even corresponded with her, addressing letters with “Mandy dear.”

The revelations presented in *The Incidental Feminist* not only offer a glimpse into Thatcher’s private life but also challenge the narratives surrounding her legacy as a political figure. As public interest in her life continues, these claims may prompt further discussions about the complexities of her character and relationships.