Death of Margaret Thatcher was an emotional day for many

A controversial figure to this day, not everyone’s response to the passing of this frail 87-year-old was sadness.

However that probably proved her right again when she said: “If they attack me personally it means they haven’t got a single political argument left.”

Margaret Thatcher inherited a terrible legacy of strikes, economic problems and public finances so bad the previous Labour Government had needed to go grovelling cap in hand to the International Monetary Fund, just like Greece has to do today.

Yet during her 11-and-a-half years in power, she transformed Britain from the sick man of Europe into a country that could have pride in itself once more.

I last met Margaret Thatcher in September, 2010, shortly after being elected as Pendle’s MP.

Despite her being very frail, we discussed her visits to Pendle, including one to Farmhouse Biscuits, Nelson, where photos of her visit are still on display 30 years on.

I remember discussing her visit with the owner, Philip McIvor, the big boost it gave his business and the time she took to chat to everyone she met during her visit.

Over the coming weeks, many people will reflect on her legacy.

They will include those across Pendle who were able to buy their council houses for the first time and those who served in the Falkland Islands.

Others will remember her role in ending the Cold War and also the misguided poll tax, which caused hardship for many.

Whatever your view, it is hard to deny she was a principled, conviction politician, who always put Britain’s interests first.