National Archives' release July 2023: three premiers emeritus, but just one star

On 19 July, the National Archives released files on some of the contacts Tony Blair had with opposition parties in 2001 and 2002. These are detailed in files PREM 49/2774 and PREM 49/2775.

Amongst the contacts were letters to Tony Blair from Margaret Thatcher and John Major. There was also a note following a meeting Blair had had with Edward Heath.

The note about the meeting with Sir Edward is dated 24 April 2002. It covers two issues on which officials are requested to do some follow-up. First, the Bloody Sunday Inquiry. Second, Heath's pension as a former prime minister.

The letter from Sir John is dated 18 March 2002. Marked 'PERSONAL AND IN CONFIDENCE', it provides details of Sir John's visit to Singapore and his impressions on the prospect of Singapore purchasing Eurofighter planes. The letter runs to three sides.

The letter from Lady Thatcher is handwritten. Dated 4 April 2002, it thanks Blair for a letter he had sent her. She described herself 'very touched' by his letter, describing it as 'kind and thoughtful'. She went on to praise Blair, 'I greatly admire the resolve you are showing. You have ensured that Britain is known as a staunch defender of liberty, and as a loyal ally of America. That is the very best reputation our country can have.'

When these files were released, they generated press coverage. That about the former prime ministers focussed on Lady Thatcher. The Telegraph headlined its story, 'Thatcher sent handwritten note to Blair praising his ‘resolve’ after invasion of Afghanistan'. The Guardian, 'Margaret Thatcher praised Tony Blair for supporting US after 9/11, files reveal'. The Times, 'I admire your resolve, Margaret Thatcher told Tony Blair'.

The files illustrate an important point about premiers emeritus. Once out of office, they have relationships with their successors as prime minister, of whatever party. They can continue to generate work for officials. They can provide intelligence of potential use to the Government of the day. In short, they can continue to have an efficient role.

The coverage of the files illustrates an important point about former prime minister Thatcher. Whatever other premiers emeritus did, and however important that was, it is Lady Thatcher who always seemed and seems to generate the headlines. That does not just say something about Lady Thatcher, it also says something about us, namely our reaction - and continuing reaction - to her.

Lady Thatcher's star quality continued not just between 1990 and 2013, but long beyond her death too. Even when she was just playing a dignified role. That we continue - or rather that the political community continues - seemingly to be dazzled by her star quality is one of the reasons, if not the central reason, why Lady Thatcher retains contemporary political relevance over 30 years after her resignation.