David Cameron led tributes to former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who passed away this morning following a stroke.

Former Finchley MP Baroness Thatcher, known widely as the Iron Lady, served as Conservative leader between 1979 and 1990.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Lady Thatcher. We have lost a great leader, a great Prime Minister and a great Briton."

Number Ten said Baroness Thatcher, 87, would be afforded a funeral on the same scale as the Queen Mother and Princess Diana, with full military honours at St Paul's Cathedral.

She was elected as Finchley MP in 1959 and served as Secretary of State for Education and Science in Edward Heath’s government.

Finchley and Golders Green MP Mike Freer, who represents much of Baroness Thatcher’s constituency in the House of Commons, said:  “She was an outstanding constituency MP for Finchley as well as being Britain's greatest post-war Prime Minister.

“Many local people still remember her as the MP and have fond memories of finding her on their doorstep seeking out their opinions and concerns.

“Many Conservative Party members in Finchley remember her from the original selection meeting when she shone and her outstanding ability was evident even then.

“I entered politics because of Lady Thatcher and the clear and unswerving principles she set out. As Lord Baker once said of her, 'we will not see her like again'.”

The Finchley Conservatives tweeted: “RIP Baroness Thatcher. She is without question a formidable women and a fantastic leader. We owe you so much and we thank you.”

Current Hendon MP Matthew Offord described news of the late Conservative’s passing as “a dark day in British politics”.

He said: “I think we have seen one of the 20th Century’s greatest Prime Ministers. I know opinion is divided on her legacy but no-one can deny she had a huge influence on this country and the world.

“She leaves a gaping hole which is impossible to fill. My wife and I have met her on several occasions and it is very sad news – a dark day in British politics.

“It is not entirely unexpected as she had been unwell for some time. It is terrible to see someone so strong, powerful and resolute become so frail in their later years.

“She served the people of Finchley for many years and even now people tell me how proud they are that she was their MP and Prime Minister.”