Flowers laid outside home 
of ex-leader within hours

Rio Butterworth, 24, from Chelsea, was the first to lay a tribute outside the property in Chester Square, west London.

Ms Butterworth, a personal assistant and former student of political sciences, came to pay tribute to “one of the best politicians we’ve ever had” just half-an-hour after the death was announced.

“I got a text from my friend when I was shopping and came here straight away. I knew where it was because taxi drivers point it out,” she said.

“I’m a bit disappointed I’m the first. She was such a strong woman.”

A second bouquet from neighbours on the square read: “RIP Margaret Thatcher. “The greatest British leader and a true lady. You make Britain what it is. Rest in peace, Meg Allen and family.”

Kim Jackson, 37, and Louise Holden, 49, from Blackpool, brought blue chrysanthemums in memory of the true blue leader.

The pair were in London for a long weekend and had the address pointed out to them during an open-top bus tour yesterday.

Business manager Ms Holden said: “I was 16 when she came to power and as a 16-year-old girl she gave you the realisation that you can do anything. Work hard and do what you want.”

Ms Jackson, a restaurant operations manager, added: “I think it’s a very sad day. She was my idol and she was an inspiration.”

Sam Cross, 27, a trainee priest from London who also left flowers, said he had strong memories of the former prime minister despite being a child when she left office.

He said: “I just think she’s one of the most impressive prime ministers this country’s had. There’s a lot of people who will be saying very nasty things today.”

One man left a half pint of milk on the doorstep – in reference to the nickname “Margaret Thatcher Milk Snatcher”, gained in 1971 when she stopped milk for children over seven as Education Secretary.