30155/3ONE of Margaret Thatcher's former aides gave a revealing insight into life alongside the Iron Lady in a talk in Bradford on Avon on Friday.

Sir Archie Hamilton, former MP for Epsom and Ewell, gave an enlightening talk on his time in politics at a Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce business breakfast at Cumberwell Park Golf Club. Sir Archie spoke of his rise up the ladder, from his 'largely unsuccessful' career in the army to his move into politics and success in being appointed as a Parliamentary Private Secretary.

He was once been allowed to sit in on a government reshuffle with Mrs Thatcher, a responsibility normally afforded to a select group including the Prime Minister and Chief Whip.

Sir Archie, who is now a director of Leafield Engineering in Corsham, spoke alongside west Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison.