“This lady is not for turning.”
- October 13, 1925 – April 8, 2013
- British
- Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Politician, “The Iron Lady”
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Quote
“This lady is not for turning.”
Explanation
This iconic quote by Margaret Thatcher is a declaration of steadfastness and political conviction. Delivered at the 1980 Conservative Party Conference, it was her response to mounting pressure—from within her own party and beyond—to reverse or soften her economic policies during a period of recession and high unemployment. By saying “this lady is not for turning,” Thatcher boldly rejected the idea of a political U-turn, affirming her unwavering commitment to reform and free-market principles.
The line is also a clever play on words, referencing the title of Christopher Fry’s play The Lady’s Not for Burning. In adapting it, Thatcher used wit to project strength, resilience, and rhetorical command, traits that came to define her leadership. At a time when many leaders were prone to compromise under pressure, Thatcher’s refusal to yield reinforced her image as the “Iron Lady”—resolute even in the face of widespread criticism.
Today, the quote stands as a symbol of political firmness and ideological clarity, admired by those who value principled leadership, and criticized by those who see it as inflexibility in the face of suffering or changing conditions. Either way, it captures a core element of Thatcher’s philosophy: true leadership means standing firm, especially when it is difficult or unpopular to do so.
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