Boardman was a politician of charm and ability, noted for his loyalty and for the meticulousness with which he prepared his case and redrafted every statement or document emanating from his office. He was also a very patient listener to the problems of industry, at a time of soaring costs and shop floor militancy. His only fault, according to his ministerial boss, Lord Walker, was that ""he worked too hard and worried too much … I had great difficulty in seeing that Tom got enough sleep and relaxation at weekends"