I was proud of my party for bringing the country's first woman prime minister and she soon returned our faith in her with her determination, focus, dedication, hard work and exemplary behaviour. It is with great sadness that I write this tribute but she will never, ever be forgotten.
Thankyou Maggie for being an inspiration to so many women, enabling us to believe in ourselves, not just as wives, mothers or friends but as an equal to men in the workplace.
Thankyou for making me feel that I could achieve anything I wanted in life if I had the determination, hard work and self belief.
Thankyou for winning the battle against the trade Union Leaders who, at that time, were bringing our country down onto it's knees. I dread to think what the country would look like now had you not been at the helm.
Thankyou for making people proud that they were British and not being ashamed of their patriotism, for fighting our battles in Europe and winning.
Thankyou for your strength and the force of your commitment to do what was right - 'this Lady's not for turning' will never be forgotten.
Thankyou for showing the world that women can be amongst the best leaders of the world.
Thankyou for being the greatest prime minster this country has ever had, and that it was in my life time. You have inspired me as a politician as well as a woman.
Thankyou for having so much integrity and for being one of the last truly internationally respected leaders.
Margaret Thatcher inspired me in so many ways, and not just in politics, by proving that it didn't matter where you came from, what your parents did for a living or whether you were a woman or not, you could rise to the very top, smash though glass ceilings and be a formidable force. She made 'aspiration' and 'achievement' part of Uk's ethos and many men as well as women finally saw the daylight & believed that we lived in a great country where anyone could reach their full potential.
My favourite quotes from the great Mrs T;-
'Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the highroad to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction.
'If my critics saw me walking over the Thames they would say it was
because I couldn't swim'.
'I owe nothing to Women's Lib'
'If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing'
'I usually make up my mind about a man in ten seconds, and I very rarely change it'.
'If you lead a country like Britain, a strong country, a country which has taken a lead in world affairs in good times and in bad, a country that is always reliable, then you have to have a touch of iron about you'
May you Rest In Peace Margaret Thatcher. You are a Legend.
Note; I will not be allowing any comments onto this post. This is my tribute - go do your own!