In 1974 Edward Heath resigned as Prime Minister. Margaret Thatcher took advantage of his removal from the leadership to stand as leader herself. She knew that there were prejudices against women at the top, but thought it was important for individuals to be considered as personalities rather than judged by gender. In her view, women need to use luck and seize their opportunities.

 "I knew the prejudices against women in the top job and I think we look too much at women and men in jobs...you come to a certain time and you look at the personalities available and their policies. And that's how women get on - right personality, right capability, right place at the right time."

She went on to be elected as Conservative leader and in 1979 was elected as Prime Minister with 43.9% of the vote: the first woman Prime Minister in Britain - and in Europe.