Marcia Williams

Over a decade beforeMargaret Thatcher swept to power, another woman was running Britain from 10Downing Street: Marcia Williams was the first ever female political adviser toa Prime Minister and was said to have a powerful grip on her boss.

A brilliant tactician,Marcia masterminded Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson's multiple electionvictories. But misogyny, jealousy, a shocking private life and accusations ofmoney-grubbing and bribery all contributed to her reputation as a public nuisance.

There is no doubt Marciawas outspoken, forthright and, by contemporary standards, deeplyunconventional. But her critics failed to understand her unbreakablepartnership with Wilson - they were politically wedded to each other and equalcontributors to his success.

In this fascinatingbiography, updated with new insight regarding Wilson's Downing Street affairwith Janet Hewlett-Davies, Linda McDougall seeks to rescue Marcia frompreviously dismissive verdicts, suggesting a more nuanced perspective andrestoring this trailblazing pioneer to her rightful place in British politicalhistory.