SIR – The death of Margaret Thatcher marks the end of a political icon, but not of her influence.

Tony Blair was described as the heir to Thatcher and some say that David Cameron considers himself the heir to Blair.

They all want a bit of the Thatcher factor because it was so popular.

She carried a natural authority and believed in her ideas, which the public recognised.

She tackled Britain’s post - 1970s industrial decay and trade union dominance and played a part in the end of European communism.

The ‘show went on’ even after she clambered out of the smouldering wreck of her conference hotel in 1984 following an IRA attempt to eliminate the Government.

She was a ‘roll up the sleeves and get on with it’ workaholic politician.

Britain changed into perhaps a less kindly place, but while her political strategy was to radically reform many things and tackle her perceived enemies head on, she remained a compassionate individual who at heart meant well, despite her steely demeanor and frequently strident delivery.

To her the Atlantic was a shorter distance than Brussels and she was clearly a true patriot in that regard and the fight over Europe remains divisive.

Traditional industries took a hit, communities were abandoned to their fate and the unions were tamed.

She would probably have lost the 1983 election had it not been for the ‘Falklands factor’ and we all remember the poll tax was the political Exocet that brought about the end of her administration.

In common with many who hold office for too long she may have been over-confident in her own judgements and her own political mortality.

I wasn’t a fan of her methods and regret many of the consequences, but her talent and self belief was admirable. Politicians today seem so more synthetic.

She was the real deal, what it said on the tin. We won’t forget, will we?

ANDREW BROWN

Worcester