The Thatcher factor: can Tory leadership hopefuls win by channelling the Iron Lady?

Candidates have described the late former PM as a ‘hero’ and ‘inspirational’

Margaret Thatcher with her cabinet
Margaret Thatcher with her cabinet at the 1989 Conservative Party Conference in Blackpool
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Tory leadership candidates including Rishi Sunak are looking to the example set by Margaret Thatcher as they compete to become the next prime minister.

Sunak told The Telegraph that if he succeeds in his bid to replace Boris Johnson as Conservative leader, “we will cut taxes and we will do it responsibly”. The former chancellor added: “I would describe it as common sense Thatcherism.”

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