Tony Heath was indeed a lifelong socialist and, fittingly, the first journalist to use the term Thatcherism. He could often be found in Shepherd’s cafe in Hay-on-Wye. I first met him there and the conversation turned to national service, which had recently been abolished.
“How did you do your national service?” I asked Tony.
“I avoided it by fighting in the second world war.”
“What a scam,” I said. He laughed and our friendship was made.
Once I found him at his table, looking a bit dejected, and I inquired what the matter was. “I am so depressed that the bankers may not get big enough bonuses to keep them happy.” He would have had words to say about Rishi Sunak.
