Letter to Lord Cullen (resignation)

Document type:	Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue:	No.10 Downing Street
Source:	Thatcher Archive
Editorial comments:	Lord Cullen’s resignation (from his position as Lord in Waiting) precedes MT’s reply. MT does not appear to have written (or, at any rate, published) a reply to Nicholas Budgen’s resignation as a whip (7 May 1982). Budgen had found himself unable to support the Northern Ireland Bill.
Importance ranking:	Minor
Word count:	210
Themes:	Executive (appointments)

Dear Prime Minister

Reluctantly I have decided that the time has come for me to retire from my position as Lord-in-Waiting.

I had always intended to do so, purely on grounds of age, before the next general Election. However I have had several talks with the Lord Privy Seal and agree with her that, if I leave now it will give a younger man the chance of thoroughly placing himself in before the next Parliament.

It has been a very great privilege for me to serve under your leadership both in opposition and government—leadership for which my wife and I have intense admiration. [end p1]

I will continue to support your government in every way that I can and trust that I will be able to do so for many years to come.

Yours very sincerely Charles Cullen [end p2]

Dear Lord Cullen,

Thank you for your letter of 25 May 1982 letting me know of your decision to resign as Lord in Waiting.

I am very grateful to you for all that you have done both in Opposition and in Government. It is typical of you that you should decide that you should leave office now to make way for a younger man.

I am greatly encouraged to know that the Government will enjoy your continuing support.

Yours sincerely,

Margaret Thatcher.