How much power did Marcia Williams have over Harold Wilson?

In recent weeks political advisors - especially those who have departed Keir Starmer's Downing Street - have never been out of the headlines. In this episode, Lee asks Richard about one of the most famous, celebrated and criticised political advisors in post-war politics: Marcia Williams. Having first met Harold Wilson when she was just in her 20s, she remained by the Labour Prime Minister's side until the end of his political life. What was the true nature of their relationship? Did they have an affair? And how did she become so invaluable to Wilson? Those questions, and more, are discussed in this episode.

In this episode, the following books are mentioned:

'Wyndham and Children First' by Lord Egremont.

'Making Do: Britons and the Refashioning of the Postwar World' by Susan Carruthers. Available at: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16406/9781009464284

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Since Attlee & Churchill is a podcast about post-war British politics - literally since Attlee & Churchill - and is hosted by Lee David Evans, an historian of the Conservative Party, and Richard Johnson, an historian of the Labour Party.

Enjoy ad-free listening, bonus episodes and show your support for the podcast by joining the Since Attlee & Churchill Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SinceAttleeAndChurchill

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