It's just about three weeks since I was made Leader of the Conservative Party. Since then I have had over 18,000 letters from people all over the country and in all walks of life. They've told of the real problems people face. In some cases, one thing dominates. Like wanting a transfer from one council house to another one in a different area. Or of being unable to sell a home that's too expensive to keep up. Or of trying to get a son or daughter into a particular school. Or of trying to make ends meet in a world where prices and rates are rising as fast as they are today.
But two general points have come through strongly in many of these letters.
First, people feel that as a nation we are not living up to the best in our character. The same spirit that made us a great nation is still there, but somehow we are not using it, except in emergencies.
And then people want a clear lead on what to do, and then to get on with the job of doing it. This lead can't come from the Government like the present one, where the Ministers seem to spend their time quarelling openly among themselves. [end p1]
I want to lead the people of this country away from the quicksands of Socialism.
Politicians can't please everyone, that would be impossible. But it is our task to try to do justice to everyone.
I have found a wealth of enthusiasm and good will, more than enough to restore our confidence. Confidence in our capacity to solve our problems. Confidence to restore Britain to her place as a proud nation in the Councils of the world.