Margaret Thatcher, prime minister of Britain from 1979 to 1990, died on Monday morning. We have received these tributes to her.
John Major, former Prime Minister "Margaret Thatcher was a true force of nature, and political phenomenon. In government, the UK was turned around under—and in large measure because of—her leadership. Her reforms of the economy, trades union law, and her recovery of the Falkland Islands elevated her above normal politics, and may not have been achieved under any other leader. Her outstanding characteristics will always be remembered by those who worked closely with her: courage and determination in politics; and humanity and generosity of spirit in private."
Malcolm Rifkind, Secretary of State for Scotland under Thatcher "She was a remarkable woman. I recall on one occasion she was asked whether she believed in consensus. To our surprise she said that she did. Then she added, 'There should be a consensus behind my convictions.' A good bit of the time she meant it!"
Louise Mensch, former Conservative MP "Margaret Thatcher was the greatest woman ever to enter politics. Her pride in Britain and her sheer determination led to her restoring our economy, our pride and our world status. Here in New York, where so few foreign leaders matter, she dominates American news. She was the ultimate conviction politician."
Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions "Baroness Thatcher was the reason I came into politics. Watching her set out to change Britain for the better in 1979 made me believe there was, at last, real purpose and real leadership in politics once again. She bestrode the political world like a colossus. This is dreadfully sad news and my thoughts and prayers are with her family."
Maria Miller, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport "I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Baroness Thatcher. It was Margaret Thatcher who inspired me to become interested in politics. For me, she was the first politician who spoke the same language as ordinary people."
Dominic Raab, Conservative MP for Esher and Walton "Margaret Thatcher was our greatest post-war leader who rescued the economy from debilitating socialism, defended British democracy from a despotic military junta, and helped win the Cold War."
