1979: Thatcher majority in general election
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This excerpt from the BBC's coverage of the 1979 general election shows the moment that Margaret Thatcher's victory was confirmed. It comes while Robin Day interviews Conservative MP Norman St John-Stevas about the likelihood of his serving in the new cabinet. Lady Marcia Falkender provides an unusual insight into some of the less obvious issues facing the new prime minister, such as whether she or her husband will get the biggest bed at 10 Downing Street.
Norman St John-Stevas joined Mrs Thatcher's government as minister for the arts and Leader of the House of Commons, but he was dismissed two years later.
Lady Falkender was formerly known as Marcia Williams. She was private and political secretary to Harold Wilson from 1956 onwards and ran his political office when he was prime minister. She continued to handle his private business after he retired from politics until his death in 1995.
Originally broadcast on 4 May 1979.
