Denis had query over McCartney

Denis Thatcher vetted a guestlist for a showbusiness reception planned by Downing Street, marking it with a red pen and questioning the inclusion of Paul McCartney, newly released documents show.

The reception in April 1988, to be attended by PM Margaret Thatcher and her husband, was planned as a thankyou to the 45 celebrities who attended the Wembley Rally during her 1987 general election campaign.

Thatcher decided more guests were needed and a longer list of “a possible 229 without spouses” was drawn up -– including some suggestions from former culture secretary John Whittingdale, then political secretary to Mrs Thatcher.

However, Denis Thatcher went through the proposed guestlist with a red pen, marking ticks against those he “would personally like to see included” and question marks beside “those who, I believe, do not help”.

His favourite was comedian Eric Sykes, who got four ticks. There were also ticks for Rolf Harris, Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Dame Judi Dench and Ronnie Corbett, among others.

Question marks were placed beside names including Paul McCartney, Sir David Attenborough, Sebastian Coe, Shirley Bassey and Paul Daniels.

The Margaret Thatcher Foundation is overseeing the release of her private files. Members of the public will be able to browse them from Monday

Denis went through the proposed guestlist with a red pen