Politics and politicians

During a factory visit Margaret Thatcher, Leader of the Opposition, talks about her party’s chance of success in the forthcoming Birmingham Stechford by-election (held after Labour MP Roy Jenkins was appointed President of the European Commission) and the prospect of a general election.

The ‘Winter of Discontent’ of 1978-9, when the Labour government’s attempts to impose limits on pay rises to control inflation resulted in widespread strikes in the public sector, was accompanied by extremely cold weather with blizzards and deep snow. Prime Minister James Callaghan has appointed Denis Howell as his Minister for Snow.

In the final days of her general election campaign Margaret Thatcher pays a flying visit to Suffolk – first to a farm where, with MP John Gummer looking on, she is given a calf to fondle, and then to Ipswich where she looks more comfortable meeting supporters in a new shopping centre.

Feverish press speculation that Prince Charles has at last met his bride-to-be has led to the 19-year-old Diana being followed everywhere by paparazzi. Ken Weetch, MP for Ipswich, speaks out against this harassment.