The last few weeks have brought great change to America’s closest ally: the departure of one prime minister and the arrival of another, the end of a queen’s historic reign and the ascension of a new king. In the midst of this change, I find myself reflecting on the state of conservatism in our two countries and the lessons I learned directly from Margaret Thatcher, over a pint, two decades ago.
Naturally, now is a time of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, but also a time for possibilities for Liz Truss as she arrives at 10 Downing Street. In the case of the new prime minister, comparisons to Margaret Thatcher are inevitable. Truss, though, has waved them away. “I don’t accept that, I am my own person,” she told the BBC. That is good news. Conservatives, in England and America, must chart their own courses, not just follow those of past leaders, no matter how great.
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