Charles Moore

Charles Moore is the author of Margaret Thatcher: The Authorized Biography, Volume One: Not For Turning. Thatcher is one of the 20th century’s most iconic politicians – and Britain’s longest-serving and first-female prime minister. With the possible exception of Winston Churchill, no other PM has had such an impact on British history. For better or worse, her radical social and economic policies made the country what it is today. Based on unrestricted access to papers and interviews with her and those who knew her best, Moore offers a fully-formed picture of the remarkable leader.

Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Charles Moore recreates the atmosphere of British politics while discussing Thatcher and her history and leadership style. In presentations he shares insider stories and addresses what audiences can learn from her successes and failures as a leader. He also addresses the transformation of the British economy, politics in the UK, and Thatcher and her relationship with America, including her extraordinarily close, yet at times turbulent, rapport with President Ronald Reagan.

The Book. Moore left his post as editor of The Daily Telegraph to spend more time writing Margaret Thatcher’s biography. This book showcases Moore’s diligence and human understanding. He had unique access to all of Thatcher’s private and governmental papers and interviewed her and her family and colleagues extensively for the book. He interviewed 315 people and was blessed with the knack of getting them to open up. His interviewees spoke candidly, knowing that his book was not going to be published until after her death, which led to unparalleled insight into the Iron Lady.

Moore writes, “People are fascinated, appalled, delighted by her…Many think she saved Britain, many that she destroyed it.” The book sheds new light over the whole spectrum of British political life and the inner-workings of the Iron Lady. Though a supporter of Thatcher’s, Moore does criticise her and identify weaknesses and mistakes where he feels it justified. BBC also aired a special 90-minute documentary based on the book, Young Margaret, Life, Love and Letters.

Thatcher on Leadership. Margaret Thatcher helped end the Cold War and moved the British economy away from its industrial base, and her resolute character still sparks fierce debate 23 years after leaving office. On average, she had a lower approval rating than any contemporary British Prime Minister, which did not concern her. She once said, “If you set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing.”

Journalism. Moore also covers politics with the wisdom and insight that come from having edited The Spectator (1984–1990), The Sunday Telegraph (1992–1995), and The Daily Telegraph (1995–2003). He currently writes for the former and latter publications.

In 1979, Moore joined The Daily Telegraph as a political correspondent, the same year Margaret Thatcher came to power. As a political columnist in the 1980s, he covered several years of her first and second governments.