Life begins at 65, Thatcher tells staff

Margaret Thatcher, never lost for an apt quotation, last night rounded off a day of emotional farewells by telling past and present staff at 10 Downing Street: “Life begins at 65” .

To ensure that she remains well armed for her next career, staff gave her a first edition of the collected verses of Rudyard Kipling, an author on whom she has often drawn in speeches. They also gave her a short-wave radio to enable her to tune in to the BBC World Service.

Mrs Thatcher told the 200 or so guests at the party, held in the Pillared Room, that she would be working for the future. Those present included staff ranging from drivers, cleaners and detectives to the most senior advisers.

There were tears, but none from the prime minister, as she said that throughout eleven and a half years in office, Downing Street had been a happy ship manned by professionals who knew what they were about.

Mrs Thatcher's husband Denis thanked staff for their “courtesy and support” over the years. On what was said to be a jolly occasion tinged with sadness, the Thatcher family mingled with all the guests. Mrs Thatcher's Finchley constituency agent, Mike Love, said as he left the party: “It was a fine farewell to a great lady.”

The atmosphere was triumphant, another member of her staff said, adding: “Mrs Thatcher was looking like she always does—like a million dollars.”

Earlier, Mrs Thatcher had said goodbye and thanks to political staff and many of those closest to her in her 15 years as Tory leader.

Her impending departure has provoked much sympathy and support, with more than 24,000 letters and 1,000 bouquets sent to Downing Street, officials said.

As removal men began transferring her belongings to Dulwich, Mrs Thatcher went to Conservative Central Office to say farewell to the 150 workers there. Kenneth Baker, the party chairman, kissed her goodbye after her 30-minute visit, and staff applauded her.

Mr Baker said that Mrs Thatcher would carry on working for the party. She had spoken, he said, about the successes of the past and how they would be built upon under the new leader. “We were obviously very sad, but most of the tears were shed on Thursday,” Mr Baker said.

The prime minister then returned to Downing Street to host a lunch for key figures of the Thatcher era, including Lord Thorneycroft, her first party chairman, Lord Joseph, and Norman Tebbit.

Mr Tebbit said afterwards that Mrs Thatcher might seek an international role in politics. “I hope she will be able still to interpret the thinking of the party,” he said. “There has never been a former prime minister like this one.” He added that there was “a large world stage” .

Regardless of the ballot outcome, Mrs Thatcher will spend tonight at Downing Street after taking question time in the Commons. If there is a decisive result tonight, she will see the Queen tomorrow morning to hand over her seals of office. If not, she will leave office on Friday morning.