1975 Conservative Party (UK) leadership election cabinet members pledged their support for Heath including Jim Prior, Peter Carrington, Leader in the House of Lords, and Robert Carr, Shadow Chancellor. However Margaret Thatcher opted to stand, with Airey Neave as her campaign manager, as did backbencher Hugh Fraser. Even then many believed that Heath would win easily. Thatcher's support was seen as minimal, with all the Conservative daily newspapers backing Heath (although the weekly "The Spectator" backed Thatcher). As the election went on it became clear that the race was going to be much closer, as Thatcher became the clear candidate to be supported by discontented backbenchers.
Tory Reform Group in 'freedom, individual responsibility and community' matter now more than ever". The TRG has an events programme and publications, principally its journal. The TRG brings together members and supporters of the Conservative Party who share this approach to Conservative politics. Members include parliamentarians, councillors, association officers and private individuals. The oldest known branch, which pre-dated the National TRG, was founded in the University of Oxford in 1962, when they split from the Oxford University Conservative Association. This branch disbanded in 2007. The Tory Reform Group (TRG) was formally established in June 1975 from the merger of four groups: PEST (Pressure