Margaret Thatcher “The Iron Lady” dies aged 87

Baroness Thatcher, the only female British Prime Minister, died this morning after suffering a stroke at the age of 87. Her twin children, Carol and Sir Mark confirmed the news.

Lord Bell, spokesman for Lady Thatcher said:  “It is with great sadness that Mark and Carol Thatcher announced that their mother Baroness Thatcher died peacefully following a stroke this morning. A further statement will be made later”.

Lady Thatcher is believed to have passed away at 11am this morning whilst staying at the Ritz hotel in London, accompanied by her Doctor and Carer.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has expressed sadness regarding the news, saying “we’ve lost a great Prime Minister, a great leader, a great Briton. She didn’t just lead our country, she saved our country, and I believe she’ll go down as the greatest British peacetime prime minister”.

Flags have been lowered to half-mast at Downing Street and Buckingham Palace have reported that the Queen is also saddened by the news. 

Lady Thatcher suffered various health problems in recent years. From 2001 to 2002 she had a series of small strokes and in 2008 her daughter disclosed that she had been diagnosed with dementia.

These health problems prevented attendance at the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the 85^th birthday party at Downing Street, organised by David Cameron.

Referred to as “The Iron Lady”, Baroness Thatcher will be remembered for her role as the first female Prime Minister and for the policies she implemented to combat the economic strife during her tenure. Only Winston Churchill could be said to have left a more influential legacy on the world stage as Prime Minister of Britain.

Molly Kersey