Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher became Britain's first woman prime minister in May 1979 and went on to spend 11 years at Number 10, a record unmatched in the 20th century.
Supporters hail the effects of her commitment to privatisation and the free market, but her premiership was also marked by industrial strife, social unrest and - in the early years - high unemployment.
The "poll tax" and divisions over Europe - which came to a head with the resignation of loyal lieutenant Geoffrey Howe - proved her undoing, and she was ousted by Tory MPs in November 1990.
Failing health has limited the public appearances of the now Baroness Thatcher in recent years. |