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.The unions had agreed to allow their members to vote individually, rather than en bloc, but after the vote had been announced, Raymond was pleased to acknowledge a wink from Norman Edwards.The new Leader immediately appointed Raymond Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.Among the many letters and telegrams Raymond received was one from Mrs.Kate Wilberhoff, which read: "Congratulations.372FIRST AMONG EQUALSBut have you read Standing Order No.5(4) of the Party Constitution?" Raymond hadn't, and replied, "Hadn't.Have now.Let's hope it's an omen."After nearly a decade of the lady from Grantham, Raymond sensed the mood was for change.In their first twelve months, the new Labour team looked fresh and innovative as Mrs.Thatcher began to look tired and out oftouch.During the long, cold winter of 1988 the Conservatives lost several votes on the floor of the House and many more upstairs in committee.The Prime Minister seemed somewhat relieved to find herself spending Christmas at Chequers.The relief did not last long, as two elderly Conservative members died before the House convened in January.The press dubbed the Government the "lame drake" administration.Both of the pending by-elections were held in May, and the Conservatives fared far better than might have been expected in holding on to one seat and just losing the other.For a fourth time, Mrs.Thatcher plumped for a June election.The monthly unemployment, inflation and import/export figures announced at regular intervals during their fourth campaign all augured badly for the Conservatives.The Prime Minister's reiterated plea that a government shouldn't be judged on one month's figures began to sound unconvincing, and by the final week, the only point of contention was whether the Labour Party would end up with a large enough majority to govern.Raymond collapsed into bed at four when the result was still unclear.He was in the middle of a dream when he was abruptly wakened by Joyce's screams from the kitchen.373FIRs'r AMONG EQUALS"We've won.We've won." He hadn't in his dream.Raymond and Joyce toured the constituency that morning before joining Raymond's parents for a late lunch.When they left the little butcher shop that afternoon, awaiting Raymond on the pavement was a crowd of well-wishers who cheered him all the way to his car.Raymond and Joyce traveled down to London and were back in Cowley Street in time to watch the first Labour Prime Minister since 1979 emerge from Buckingham Palace with the television cameras following him all the way back until he took up residence at 10 Downing Street.This time Raymond did not have long to wait for a telephone call because the first appointment the new Prime Minister confirmed was Raymond's, as his Chancellor of the Exchequer.Raymond and Joyce moved into Number I I later that afternoon, instructing real estate agents to rent their Cowley Street house on a shortterm lease.After all, the Labour Party had only won by four seats.Leaving the Home Office came as a great blow to Charles.He informed Amanda over breakfast on the Monday after the election that he would be returning to Hampton's Bank and that his salary would be sufficient for her allowance to remain constant-as long as she behaved herself Amanda nodded and left the breakfast table without comment, as Harry came in.It was an important morning for Harry, as he was to be taken to his first day of school at Hill House to begin the academic course mapped out for him by his father.Though Charles tried to convince him that it would be the start of a wonderful adventure, Harry looked apprehensive.Once he had deposited a tearful eight-year-old with his first headmaster, Charles continued on to the 374FIRST AMONG EQUALSCity, cheerful at the prospect of returning to the world of banking.When he arrived at Hampton's, he was met by Clive Reynolds's secretary, who immediately took him through to the boardroom and asked him if he would like a coffee."Thank you," said Charles, taking off his gloves, placing his umbrella in the stand and settling himself in the chairman's seat at the head of the table."And would you tell Mr.Reynolds I'm in?" "Certainly," said the secretary.Clive Reynolds joined him a few moments later."Good morning, Mr.Hampton.How nice to see you again after such a long time," said Reynolds, shaking Charles by the hand."Good morning, Clive.It's nice to see you too.First I must congratulate you on the manner in which you have conducted the bank's affairs in my absence." "It's kind of you to say so, Mr.Hampton." "I was particularly impressed by the Distillers takeover; that certainly took the City by surprise." "Yes, quite a coup, wasn't it?" said Reynolds smiling."And there's another one in the pipeline." "I shall look forward to hearing the details." "Well, I'm afraid it remains confidential at the moment," said Clive, taking the seat beside him."Of course; but now that I have returned I had better be briefed fairly soon
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