Margaret Thatcher has died following a stroke, her spokesman Lord Bell has said.

Lord Bell said: "It is with great sadness that Mark and Carol Thatcher announced that their mother Baroness Thatcher died peacefully following a stroke this morning (Monday).

"A further statement will be made later."

Baroness Thatcher was Conservative prime minister from 1979 to 1990.

Born Margaret Roberts, she became the Conservative MP for Finchley, north London in 1959 before  retiring from the Commons in 1992.

She won general elections in 1979, 1983 and 1987.

The Queen is sad to hear the news of the death of Baroness Thatcher and Her Majesty will be sending a private message of sympathy to the family, Buckingham Palace said today.

You can see a gallery on Baroness Thatcher's time in Sussex by visiting http://www.theargus.co.uk/photos/2013/margarethatcher/

You can also follow all the latest reaction with our live blog:

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/10340421.Margaret_Thatcher_dies___live_blog/

For a special report and local reaction on Baroness Thatcher's death see tomorrow's Argus.

  • Tell us your memories of the former PM by using the comment feature below, emailing news@theargus.co.uk or calling 01273544531