Margaret Thatcher and rise of 'Basildon man'

The so-called "Basildon man" came into existence in Margaret Thatcher's early years as prime minister.

He was the creation of her political machine, the archetypal Thatcher supporter that had previously been expected to vote Labour.

Hard working, determined to get ahead and make a better life for his family, "Basildon Man" was impressed by Thatcherite policies like the introduction of the right to buy his council house.

The Today programme's Tom Fielden reports from Basildon in Essex, one of the heartlands of her political support.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday 9 April 2013.