chj-summer-2004

Definitely not a farewell
Iain Dale
A
fter a mere two isues I have decided
to step down as co-editor of the
Conservative History Journal but I
am delighted that Helen Szamuely
has agreed to step into the breach.
She will bring a degree of thoroughness and historical
perspective which I could never match. While I
shall remain Director of the CHG I must devote my
time now to my business and, perhaps more importantly,
to winning back North Norfolk at the next
election. This issue of the magazine is particularly
important as it marks the 25th anniversary of the
election of the Thatcher Government in May 1979. I
remember it especially well as I stood as the
Conservative Candidate in a mock election at my
High School in Essex and romped home with a 27%
majority over....the National Front! Margaret
Thatcher inspired me to get involved in politics. In
her day we used to win elections almost at will. I
remember what it was like standing on people's
doorsteps knowing that what I was doing was helping
her retain power. It's that kind of pride which we
Conservatives now have to instill into our party
workers up and down the country. They have to know
that Michael Howard and candidates like me are not
only worth campaigning for but, once we are successful,
we will do justice to the legacy which
Margaret Thatcher has left us.
Conservative History Group
Party Conference Fringe
William
Hague
will speak on
William Pitt
the Younger
Iain Dale is the
Conservative
Parliamentary Spokesman
for North Norfolk. Email
him on iain@iaindale.com.
Monday 4 October
17.45–19.00
Purbeck Bar in the Bournemouth International Conference Centre
Conservative History Journal | issue 3 | Summer 2004 | 1