On the passing of former Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party, The Baroness Thatcher, Cllr Gary Porter, Chairman of the Conservative Councillors’ Association and Leader of the LGA Conservative Group said:
“British politics is a poorer place following the death of Baroness Thatcher. She was a conviction politician who passionately fought for what she believed was right.
“Margaret was the most iconic post war prime minister to lead our country. She lead the rebuilding of a nation that was on its knees. She dismantled militant trade unionism and restored the Country’s self-belief. She also gave an identity to a new political philosophy that has survived through her successor, two Labour Prime Ministers and now a coalition government.
“She showed millions of women that there is no political 'glass ceiling' that cannot be shattered. Nobody who lived through the 70s and 80s can fail to have an opinion about her and about her politics and that is what singles her out as a remarkable politician and Prime Minister.
“On a personal note for me, her greatest legacy for local government was the introduction of 'Right to Buy'. This was a policy that enabled millions of people to become home owners and have access to capital for the very first time. A policy that lives on and one which allows people to realise their own home-owning aspirations still today.
“She was without doubt the right Leader for her time and her leadership and achievements have inspired Conservative politicians at every level.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”