The lack of a commemoration of this milestone is denounced as ‘shocking’
Fans of Margaret Thatcher will celebrate the centenary of her birth next year (Image: BBC)
The Labour Government’s decision not to commemorate the centenary of Lady Thatcher’s birth has been denounced as “small-minded”.
Admirers of Britain’s first woman prime minister will mark what would have been her 100th birthday on October 13 next year but there is disappointment Sir Keir Starmer’s Government will not join in the celebrations.
Robert Colvile, director of the Centre for Policy Studies, which was founded by Lady Thatcher in 1974, said: “Margaret Thatcher was a truly transformational Prime Minister whose premiership left an indelible mark on the history of Britain and the world. It seems quite small-minded of the Government not to mark the 100th birthday of one of Britain’s greatest Prime Ministers.
“Even if Labour is resentful of her successes, they should still by their own lights recognise her achievement in being Britain’s first ever female prime minister.”
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Then-PM Gordon Brown welcomed Lady Thatcher to Downing Street (Image: Getty)
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Government’s paymaster general, ruled out events to mark the centenary, saying: “In line with established precedent, the Government does not formally commemorate the anniversaries of the births of former Prime Ministers.”
This dismayed Andrew Rosindell, whose constituency office is based in Romford’s “Margaret Thatcher House”.
He said: “I think it’s very sad because you’re looking at no ordinary prime minister. You’re looking at a prime minister who transformed our country, who restored pride and greatness to Britain and was our first ever woman prime minister.
“For the Labour party in government to say that it’s not worthy of any type of commemoration or celebration or not even noteworthy, I find quite shocking.”
Former Labour prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown both invited Lady Thatcher to Downing Street. On Mr Brown’s watch, a painting of the Iron Lady was unveiled at the PM’s residence.
Sir Keir Starmer courted controversy by removing a portrait of Lady Thatcher from the Downing Street study, explaining that he did not like “pictures of people staring down at me”.
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Mr Rosindell said: “Tony Blair and Gordon Brown understood the significance of Lady Thatcher’s legacy on this country. They didn’t always agree with her, of course, but they respected her as a great British leader and as someone who significantly changed the direction of our nation.
“For the Government of today to discard that is I think very, very foolish and very wrong. I hope they will reconsider in time for October 13, 2025.”
The 1974 centenary of Winston Churchill’s birth was marked with the issuing of a set of postal stamps. An exhibition featuring his paintings, military uniforms, manuscripts and a Stetson hat was held at London’s Somerset House.
