THURROCK Conservatives have paid tribute to Baroness Thatcher, who has died aged 87.
Thurrock MP, Jackie Doyle-Price said:
“I am so sad to hear that Margaret Thatcher has died.
Margaret Thatcher inspired me to become involved in politics. She transformed this country, she made the Conservative party the party of hard working people and along with Ronald Reagan she ended the Cold War. It is amazing to look at the countries of Eastern Europe now, all liberal economies and remember that just thirty years ago they were behind the iron curtain.
My parents like many others had their lives transformed by the right to buy their council house. She ended the power of the trade unions to bring this country to it knees. She liberated nationalised industries. She turned this country around from the sick man of europe to a great success. she was a truly amazing leader.
On a personal note she was always very kind to me. I was very touched to receive her encouragement and congratulation when I was elected. Such a great lady.
Commenting on sad news that Baroness Thatcher has today died of a stroke, Stephen Metcalfe, Conservative Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock said: “Margaret Thatcher changed not only the face of politics but the face of a nation. Through her dedication, commitment, energy and determination Mrs Thatcher secured a successful future for this country that many at the time thought unthinkable. Margaret Thatcher’s enduring legacy will be to leave a nation in a better state than she found it.”
“My condolences and deepest sympathies go to her family and close friends.”
Leader of the Thurrock Conservatives, cllr Phil Anderson said:
“Anyone who cares about the status and reputation of politics will be saddened to hear of the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female Prime Minister and an undisputed giant of 20th century statesmanship.
Margaret Thatcher remains one of the most inspirational and controversial figures in modern Britain. She undoubtedly inspired an entire generation of women to believe that they could aspire to the very highest positions in society. To some she was the saviour of the British economy, the leader who stood up for our national interests in Europe and the Falklands, and someone who gave a nation back its pride and sense of purpose. To others she will forever be accused of doing too little to help the victims of social change and upheaval, and of promoting a form of free-market capitalism which has made us more individualistic and selfish as a result.
To me, the quote which best sums up this paradox comes from an interview Mrs Thatcher gave to ‘Woman’s Own’ magazine in 1987:
“There is no such thing as society. There is living tapestry of men and women and people and the beauty of that tapestry and the quality of our lives will depend upon how much each of us is prepared to take responsibility for ourselves and each of us prepared to turn round and help by our own efforts those who are unfortunate.”
‘There is no such thing as society’ is one of the most mis-quoted Thatcherisms of all. In fact this was a call to move away from dependence on a soulless state bureaucracy and encourage individuals and communities to rise up and help one another. That at least is one aspect of the Thatcher legacy I can always be proud of, and one which continues to shape my own politics even today.
Orsett councillor, Mike Revell has also paid tribute. Cllr Revell said: “Baroness Thatcher saved this country from the mess it was in. She pulled us out of a deep recession. She changed the trades unions and made this country strong again.
Her beliefs became a by-word for aspiration. Thurrock was one of the first places to really embrace the opportunities afforded by by-to-let schemes.
A lot of people felt empowered and enabled by Baroness Thatcher. One of our greatest prime-ministers.
And the youngest Conservative councillor, Charlie Key has also spoken to the legacy of Baroness Thatcher.
South Chafford councillor, Cllr Key said: “This is a very sad day. I hope that every Conservative politician looks to her as an example of someone who had the courage of her convictions.
“I am the son of a coal man and the grandson of a coal man. Thatcherism underpinned our beliefs in getting on and believing in yourself.”
