A Better Brighton Bomb

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POD: On September 17th 1984, Patrick Magee makes his time bomb a little bit stronger. Consequently when detonated a month later it kills Mrs Thatcher, and most of her cabinet.

Deputy Prime Minister Viscount Whitelaw immediatly declares a state of emergency, but, as a peer is unable to become prime minister. A tory party leadership election is held 3 days later, with secretary of Defence Michael Heseltine winning and becoming prime minister. On October 24th the state of emergency is ended, Heseltine announces that he wont make any major decisions until after a general election held in November.

The conservatives lose 4 seats in the election, but maintain their strong majority. Heseltine gradually removes the remaining thatcherites from the cabinet, and introduces some protectionist policies. The conservatives maintain the vast lead in the opinion polls gained from sympathy. Heseltine takes on a much less authoritarian position than his predecessor, giving his cabinet space to govern. In

Despite Heseltines improvments, by the time the next election is held in November 1989, Heseltine is dealt a stinging defeat. Neil Kinnock and the labour party are able to govern with a majority of 10. Kinnock brings Britain even more into europe, ratifying the Maastricht treaty. Meanwhile Heseltine is ousted as tory leader, turning instead to Michael Portillo. Portillio rebrands conservatism, urging people to become "New Tories". In March 1992 Kinnock calls a snap general election, catching Portillo unprepared and being able to gain another 18 seats. But Labour is not happy with Kinnock's pro euro slant, and a revolt of left wing mp's, lead by Tony Benn, are able to persuade Kinnock to inject some Old Labour policies.

In 1997 Portillo leads the tories into gaining the biggest majority in history (430 seats), absorbing much of the Lib Dem vote. He is critisised by his party for dropping many of his right wing principles in favor of a more moderate stance. Portillio wins another landslide in 2002 and steps down following a third (but close) victory in 2006. David Cameron succedes him but his popularity remains low and he steps down following a bribery scandal in mid 2008. His chancellor George Osbourne is elected leader but his brash style and "posh boy" persona, even stronger than cameron's, makes him unpopular. In 2011 the Conservatives are dealt a strong defeat by the Labour party, reformed and managed by David Miliband.