Denis Thatcher 'fine' after by-pass

Sir Denis is in a Harley Street clinic

Sir Denis Thatcher is "progressing fine" after his six-hour heart by-pass operation.

The prognosis was delivered by a family spokesman two days after the 87-year-old husband of the former Conservative prime minister was operated on.

Baroness Thatcher has credited her husband for his support

Baroness Thatcher has yet to visit him but will do so as soon as doctors at the Harley Street clinic in central London give the go-ahead.

They have already described the operation as "a complete success". Sir Denis is expected to make a full recovery.

He was admitted to hospital earlier last week and underwent a series of tests before the operation on Friday night.

Sir Denis is expected to remain in hospital for one or two weeks before returning home to recuperate.

On Saturday Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith issued a statement saying: "I send my personal very best wishes to Sir Denis and Lady Thatcher at this difficult time.

"We will all keep our fingers crossed and hope that he makes a full and speedy recovery.

"Sir Denis is much loved by all in the Conservative Party and by a very large number of people up and down the country."

Conflict anniversary

Last year, Baroness Thatcher turned down an invitation to visit the Falklands, saying the trip would have been "too gruelling" for her husband.

The trip would have marked the 20th anniversary of the battle to recapture the islands.

Sir Denis is said to have been the key influence in persuading his wife to bow out of public speaking after she suffered a series of slight strokes.

Baroness Thatcher said she could not have made it to the top without him.

They have been married for more than 50 years, including 11 at Downing Street.