TRIBUTES to Britain's first female Prime Minister have been pouring in from across North East Lincolnshire and beyond.
As reported on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk Margaret Thatcher died yesterday morning aged 87, after suffering a stroke.
Conservative MP Martin Vickers, who represents Cleethorpes, says Mrs Thatcher's influence is still affecting the thinking of all major parties.
He said: "She will be sadly missed.
"Whether you love her or you hate her, she had a major impact on the British political scene that still remains.
"She was a remarkable lady and one of our greatest peacetime Prime Ministers."
Councillor Philip Jackson (Con, Waltham), said: "I did meet Mrs Thatcher on several occasions.
"She was the one who inspired me to join the Conservative party.
"It is very sad to hear of her death."
The Iron Lady was no stranger to Grimsby and the surrounding area, having visited during her time as Secretary of State for Education and Science in 1971, when she was invited to officially open Signhills Junior School.
As former head teacher Rex Manders opened an extension to the school in 2003, he recalled meeting Mrs Thatcher at the original opening.
He said: "In her speech, Lady Thatcher stated that education was built on a tripod. I agree with this because the triangle is the strongest shape and we all have to work together."
Mrs Thatcher also visited Grimsby Docks and Top Town in 1977 before winning the 1979 general election and becoming PM.
Edward Leigh, Conservative MP for Gainsborough, was the last Minister to be appointed by Mrs Thatcher in November 1990.
He came to the House of Commons in 1983 and enjoyed working with her while she was Prime Minister.
He said: "Mrs Thatcher was hugely admired for her political conviction.
"My condolences to her family and all those who were close to her.
"We will never fully appreciate how much Mrs Thatcher transformed this country, in my opinion very much for the better."
The former PM hailed from Grantham, in Lincolnshire, and won three general elections in a row.
She also visited Louth and Conoco's Theddlethorpe terminal and opened the Conoco rooms of Louth library.
Leader of the district council Councillor Doreen Stephenson said: "It is very sad to hear of the death of Margaret Thatcher. Margaret Thatcher's time in office saw real change and challenge and we should all be grateful for her dedication and commitment."
Local UKIP MEP Godfrey Bloom, added: "The last real Conservative with a spine. RIP."
Mrs Thatcher, who became Baroness Thatcher, resigned as PM in November 1990 after a year in which her fortunes plummeted.
Her funeral is to be held at London's St Paul's Cathedral next week, with military honours, although a date is yet to be set.
The service is to be followed by a private cremation.
