CONSERVATIVES across West Devon have been paying tributes in the wake of the death of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher this week.

Baroness Thatcher, 87, who was Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990 and the first woman to hold the role in the UK, died on Monday after suffering a stroke.

Dame Margaret Fry from Broadwoodwidger, former chairman of the National Union of Conservatives and former president of Torridge and West Devon Conservative Association of which she is now patron, worked with Lady Thatcher for many years and chaired her last annual party conference in 1990.

Dame Margaret said:?'I have very fond memories of working with Margaret Thatcher when she was Prime Minister.

'I was involved with her nationally, first as chairman of the Women's Conservatives and then of the National Union, and was inspired by her leadership, her commitment and kindness. She did much to further the cause of women in politics.

'I was privileged to chair her last conference in Bournemouth and was appalled at the way in which she was removed from office shortly afterwards.

'She was indeed one of the greatest prime ministers.'

In response to the baroness' death, chairman of Torridge and West Devon Conservative Association Cllr Robert Oxborough said he was saddened to hear of the news: 'Personally, it was Margaret Thatcher who swayed me from the left wing to join the Conservatives during her early years.

'Everything she did, especially in the first ten years, had a massive impact on the UK and for good in my view. Her passing is very sad.'

Mirroring Cllr Oxborough's views, chairman of Central Devon Conservatives John Midgley, said: 'My recollection of Margaret Thatcher's term in office is that it allowed this country to undergo the radical change it needed, and to an extent still needs today.

'She was a resolute leader, who was respected all around the world, and she will always be remembered.'

Geoffrey Cox, MP for West Devon and Torridge, regarded Lady Thatcher as one of the 'most remarkable' prime ministers. He said: 'Margaret Thatcher was a great Englishwoman and will be remembered as the most effective Prime Minister of modern times.

'She was courageous, determined and driven by the conviction that Great Britain could be rescued from the pattern of decline and retreat that had characterised much of our history since the second world war.

'Her achievements in restoring pride and belief in Britain, and fearlessly confronting and resolving some of the nation's most intractable economic and political problems, will rank with those of the most remarkable prime ministers of any time. I have sent my deepest condolences to Baroness Thatcher's family.'

Conservative MP for Central Devon Mel Stride also gave tribute, saying: 'Key to being a great Prime Minister is leadership and perhaps only Winston Churchill rivals Margaret Thatcher in that respect.

She saved our country from the economic abyss of the late 1970s and infused a whole generation with aspiration and enterprise. We owe her a great deal.'