County MPs have paid tribute to former Conservative leader and Prime Minister, Baroness Margaret Thatcher, who has died today.
Baroness Thatcher died, aged 87, following a stroke.
She visited Northamptonshire on a number of occasions, including to open the now University of Northampton’s Park Campus in 1972.
Northampton South Brian Binley said he got to know Baroness Thatcher, who jokingly called him “cousin.” Baroness Thatcher’s father Alfred Roberts came from Denford, and one of Mr Binley’s ancestors married a Roberts from Denford.
Mr Binley said: “I am desperately sorry. I knew her reasonably well, because her father’s family came from Denford.
“You could take a political view, but for a woman from her background to become the leader of the Conservative party and, I believe a great Prime Minister, who restored the good name of Great Britain throughout the world, was remarkable by anybody’s count.
“She was a great leader, and one I had the very good fortune of getting to know a little. I count that as a blessing.”
Northampton South MP Michael Ellis said: “Margaret Thatcher was an historic figure. She will go down in history as the first woman Prime Minister, but more than that, she was a leader of considerable skill and principal.
“She did a huge amount for this country during her time in office. It was her policy that allowed many thousands of people to own their own homes.
“She built the economy up from a low point, to one that had come on leaps and bounds by the time she left office.
“She was internationally respected. People around the world knew who she was, and what she stood for.”
South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom said: “For me, she inspired me to think you could change the world for the better, regardless of whether you believe in what she did or not. That was quite inspiring as a child.”
Northampton Borough Council leader David Mackintosh has arranged for the Union Flag at the Guildhall to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.
He said: “Margaret Thatcher was one of this country’s greatest Prime Ministers whose legacy will never be forgotten.
“She will be remembered for her iron determination and political will; whether taking on the unions, facing down the IRA by carrying on with the party conference after the Brighton bomb or by taking back the Falklands.
“I was born less than a month before Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister and grew up watching her in power and her legacy, has strongly influenced my own political views.
“I was lucky enough to meet her on a number of occasions whilst working for the Conservative Party. I am sure many people across Northampton will join me in wanting to pay tribute to a political giant whose legacy will continue in future generations of politicians. My thoughts are with her family.”