The family of Sir Humphrey Atkins, a former Tory minister, has vehemently denied recent claims in a new biography suggesting he had an affair with Margaret Thatcher.
The allegations, which appear in Tina Gaudoin’s The Incidental Feminist, have been dismissed by his children as nothing more than a publicity stunt.
The book asserts that Lady Thatcher, widely thought to have been faithful to her husband Dennis for over 50 years, was involved in two extramarital relationships—one early in her parliamentary career and another allegedly with Sir Humphrey, who served as a minister during her first term as Prime Minister.
It claims she promoted him and even granted him a peerage out of affection.
Children Reject the Rumours
Sir Humphrey’s son Charles was quick to speak out, telling the Daily Mail that the story is entirely untrue. “It is vanishingly obvious he didn’t have an affair,” he said. “It’s complete nonsense.”
Charles, along with his two living siblings, confirmed that Gaudoin never contacted them for comment before publishing the claims.
“This woman is trying to sell books,” he added, dismissing the rumours outright.
A source close to his older sister Sheila, who lives in Devon, echoed his sentiment, saying she would not give the story any attention.
Sir Humphrey’s Distinguished Career
Sir Humphrey Atkins had a long and notable political career.
He served as MP for Spelthorne for 32 years, acted as chief whip under Edward Heath, and became Secretary of State for Northern Ireland between 1979 and 1981 during Thatcher’s first term.
After being appointed Lord Privy Seal in 1981, he worked under Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington, with both resigning in 1982 following the Falklands invasion.
He was later granted a life peerage in 1987 as Baron Colnbrook of Waltham St Lawrence.
He married Margaret in 1944, and they remained together until his death in 1996.
Interestingly, Sir Humphrey spent part of his childhood in colonial-era Kenya, returning to England after his father tragically died in a rhino attack.
Book Sparks Controversy
Gaudoin’s biography suggests that multiple sources—including former Tory minister Jonathan Aitken—hinted at Lady Thatcher’s involvement with Sir Humphrey.
Aitken allegedly told the author that there were “knowledgeable rumours” at the time, adding that while Sir Humphrey’s political skills were lacking, his appearance may have appealed to Thatcher.
Another politician reportedly remarked to Gaudoin: “The joke about Atkins was that for someone who was not very good, he kept getting promoted. Now why was that?”
However, Lord Moore, author of Thatcher’s authorised biography, has stated he had heard similar rumours but never found convincing evidence.
Wider Context of the Biography
The book, published last month, only gained widespread attention after Gaudoin discussed it at the Cheltenham Literary Festival this week.
Alongside the contentious affair claims, it explores unexpected aspects of Denis Thatcher’s life, including his friendship with Mandy Rice-Davies, the model involved in the 1963 Profumo affair.