Angus Maude

Abstract

Utilising the neglected and eclectic figure of Angus Maude, the chapter seeks to critically appraise contributions of ministers to the Thatcher governments and to 'Thatcherism' as a political project. It argues that, while strictly limited in terms of his brief, peripheral role as a minister in Thatcher's first government, Maude was central to the early intellectual development of core themes and ideas of 'Thatcherism' and to their political development and presentation in Opposition, while simultaneously retaining a strong independent streak distinguishable from 'New Right' mainstream politics.