Margaret Thatcher is claimed to have engaged in two extramarital affairs, as revealed in a new book. The former Tory Prime Minister, who was married to Denis for over five decades, reportedly had a relationship with another politician early in her career and later with a separate individual.
Renowned journalist Tina Gaudoin, in her book “The Incidental Feminist,” alleges that Mrs. Thatcher had an “extracurricular friendship” with a close aide who would touch her knee during dinners. Gaudoin portrays Mrs. Thatcher as surprisingly alluring, with many sources suggesting that she had a magnetic presence in person.
According to Gaudoin, multiple sources, including former Tory minister Jonathan Aitken, disclosed that Mrs. Thatcher was romantically involved with someone else early on during her time as an MP, and potentially later with Sir Humphrey Atkins, a former Conservative MP and Cabinet minister under Mrs. Thatcher.
When asked about Atkins, Aitken mentioned that rumors were circulating at the time, speculating on their relationship due to Atkins’ appearance despite his lackluster political acumen. Another politician also questioned why Atkins kept getting promoted despite his perceived shortcomings.
Insiders shared with the author that Lord Bell, Mrs. Thatcher’s PR chief, had an intimate relationship with her, including putting his hand on her knee during dinners. However, Gaudoin suggests that their interactions likely did not progress beyond certain boundaries.
Lord Moore, the author of Mrs. Thatcher’s authorized biography, expressed skepticism regarding the rumors about Mrs. Thatcher’s affairs, citing a lack of concrete evidence to support such claims.
Gaudoin further reveals that Mr. Thatcher had a close friendship with former model Mandy Rice-Davies after leaving Downing Street. This friendship, characterized by affectionate letters and discussions on military history and vacations together, sheds light on another aspect of the Thatchers’ post-political life.
The claims made by Gaudoin were discussed at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, as reported by the Times, highlighting the intriguing revelations about Mrs. Thatcher’s personal relationships beyond her political career.