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Thatcher set for Downing Street return
23 Nov 2009
Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is returning to 10 Downing Street today to attend the unveiling of her portrait.
Baroness Thatcher was invited to a private reception being hosted by Prime Minister Gordon Brown this afternoon.
Also expected at the event is Conservative leader David Cameron, who is known to have his own picture of his illustrious predecessor hanging in his office.
Mr Brown is understood to have offered Lady Thatcher the honour of an official portrait in Downing Street when she visited him for tea at Number 10 in September 2007, a few months into his premiership.
His spokesman this morning said that the Prime Minister was looking forward to welcoming the former Tory leader back to Downing Street.
The portrait by Richard Stone, who has previously painted the Queen and the Queen Mother as well as Labour Prime Ministers Harold Wilson and James Callaghan, has been paid for by a private donor and is expected to go on permanent display in the first floor state rooms lobby.
Although photographs of all modern prime ministers line the main staircase in Number 10, only two 20th century premiers have paintings on display: David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill.
Lady Thatcher is believed to be the first living politician to be given the honour of a portrait in the official residence of the Prime Minister.
Reader views (5)
Absolutely extremely well deserved after her inheriting the previous Socialist Governments near bankrupt economy
She is our greatest P.M. since Churchill without a doubt having had to govern with a few spineless ministers in her cabinet.
Maggie had more guts than every leader of my party since Churchill and most certainly very much more than David Cameron. I never ever thought as a life long activist party member (over 40 years) that I would have no option left but to vote UPIK!!! I have simply no where else to go, along with all my family and friends!!
We,the British public are sick and tired of subsidising the French, etc peasant farmers, etc, etc, etc and there will most certainly be a day of reckoning for ignoring the majority views of the electorate!!!!!
- David Thomson, Gosport; England, 04/12/2009 00:04
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Anyone for darts?
- Jerry, London, UK, 23/11/2009 13:45
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I suppose Cameron will be bringing a tape measure. Dream on, son. Bozza for PM
- Peace Maker, Battersea, 23/11/2009 13:40
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For a minute, I thought her son had organised another coup.
- Keith, King's Cross, 23/11/2009 13:25
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Will it be one of those pictures where the eyes follow you round the room.
I wonder how much this cost.
- Charles, Kennington, 23/11/2009 13:01
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