South Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes has paid tribute to Margaret Thatcher, describing her as “one of those people who make you proud to be British”.
Mr Hayes said he had met Baroness Thatcher many times and was very saddened to hear of her death earlier today (Monday).
Mrs Thatcher, who was Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, died “peacefully” following a stroke. She was 87.
Mr Hayes said: “Her death is a great loss to the nation. She was without a doubt one of the most significant figures of the 20th century.
“I met her many times and had the highest regard for her.
“Whatever you think about her she was one of those people who make you proud to be British. She made an immense difference, not only to those who met and knew her but to the whole of our country.”
Mr Hayes added that Lincolnshire-born Baroness Thatcher had been an important figure in his political development, as she had been to countless others.