1949-59 (candidate): Beryl Cook to J.P.L. Thomas ("she is a winner")

Transcribed from a handwritten note of material in the Conservative Party Archive. The file also contains a letter from a neighbouring Conservative MP, Waldron Smithers. Smithers to Thomas, 5 Feb 1949: at a meeting last night on borders of Dartford he was asked why "a young girl of 23, Miss Margaret Robertson [sic], had been selected as Candidate for Dartford? Could not they have got some prominent business man, etc etc etc.I have never met the lady, and know nothing about her, but if you would send me a line, in encouragement or otherwise, I might do some useful work". ... Thomas replied on 9 Feb: Dartford took a lot of trouble. They came down for Margaret Robertson [sic] "who created an excellent impression when she came to this office.As you know, we have been very anxious to have more women candidates, and I have spoken to this effect at the last two Conferences. Apparently Dartford have shared our views, and I am quite certain that they will not regret it".