Statement on the death of Margaret Thatcher

From the President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Dr MarkWakelin:

"Margaret Thatcher was a hugely significant, complex and yetdivisive figure in post-war British politics. She achieved a majorbreakthrough as Britain's first woman Prime Minister, and her timein office fundamentally changed the nature of British society,especially the relationship between individuals and the state. Formany people she was a courageous and committed leader, and one ofthe best known British politicians around the world - her roots ina personally responsible Methodist tradition were greatly admiredby many. Perhaps one of her greater achievements was to change thepost-war political consensus, forcing her political rivals tocampaign far more on her terms."