THIS weekend I saw the film The Iron Lady. I make no apologies for my profound admiration of Margaret Thatcher.

In 1979 our economy was the sick man of Europe, dogged by strikes and forced to borrow from the IMF. Within a decade the economy was booming, competitiveness had been restored as the country got back to living within its means, enabling private sector growth.

The film made much of the barriers the young Thatcher faced when trying to work her way up the greasy pole of politics.

But it made the observation that it was class that was her biggest handicap, not being a woman. Thatcher’s great achievement was to overcome the political establishment. That part of her achievement has to be inspiring, whatever your politics.

The film also notes the loyal support she received from Airey Neave – himself a former Conservative candidate for Thurrock and resident of Orsett.

The man who escaped from Colditz in the Second World War, only to be murdered by an IRA bomb in the House of Commons car park, is one of the unsung heroes of the 20th century.

It is a reminder too that the membership of the House of Commons has changed over the decades since Thatcher was first elected in 1959. The expansion of politically appointed staff has seen the emergence of a career path from researcher to an MP, special adviser to a minister and then Member of Parliament. This brings with it problems.

It is not difficult to see why Labour leader Ed Miliband is struggling. A CV which has working for Tony Benn, Harriet Harman and Gordon Brown before entering Parliament is not in touch with real life.

The challenge for all politicians is to make sure they never lose touch with the people they represent.

In other words – as the film suggests – to always know the price of a pint of milk.