A book on Thatcherism by Oliver Letwin's mother is reportedly inspiring many of George Bush's second term priorities.

Dr Shirley Letwin - who died 12 years ago - wrote an academic analysis of the Thatcher years and her work has been picked up by Bush's chief strategist Karl Rove.

Rove is said to be fascinated by what Dr Letwin called "vigorous virtues", the patterns of behaviour encouraged by the status of ownership.