Former Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher, has died aged 87 following a stroke.
The ‘Iron Lady’ was the Premier between 1979 and 1990 and is hailed by supporters as ‘the most successful British Prime Minister in history’.
In a statement, her spokesman – Lord Bell, said: “It is with great sadness that Mark and Carol Thatcher announced that their mother, Baroness Thatcher, died peacefully following a stroke this morning.”
Tributes have been coming in from members of the public and politicians alike, with current Conservative Prime Minister, David Cameron, saying: “It was with great sadness that I heard of Lady Thatcher’s death. We’ve lost a great leader, a great Prime Minister and a great Briton.”
A statement issued by Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen was sad to hear the news of the death of Baroness Thatcher. Her Majesty will be sending a private message of condolence to the family.”
During her time in office, Baroness Thatcher’s government privatised several state-owned industries and she was in power when the UK went to war with Argentina over the Falklands in 1982.
She started her commons career in 1959, when she became the MP for Finchley, North London. She spent some time as the Education Secretary, before becoming the Conservative Party leader in 1975. She won three consecutive general elections in 1979, 1983 and 1987.
Tom Williams, Vice President Media and Communications at De Montfort Students’ Union, said: “I am sad to hear of the passing of Margaret Thatcher. I am not a Tory, but she should still be respected as a leader of the UK. Regardless of ones political viewpoint, she was a figurehead of British politics and above all, someone’s Mother. She should be remembered for the right reasons.”
Gerry Adams, president of Sinn Fein, has a contrasting view stating: ‘Margaret Thatcher did great hurt to the Irish and British people during her time as prime minister. Working class communities were devastated in Britain because of her policies.’
Details of Baroness Thatcher’s funeral will be made available in the coming days and Demon Media will bring you the news as it happens.
