St Albans and Harpenden’s MPs have paid tribute to Margaret Thatcher, who died following a stroke this morning.

The former Prime Minister’s family announced that she passed away peacefully at the age of 87.

Harpenden’s Peter Lilley was part of Lady Thatcher’s cabinet as Secretary of State for trade and industry in 1990.

He also worked as one of her speech writers from when she became leader of the party until her last days in office and he helped her put together her final address.

He said: "The nation owes her a tremendous debt.

"For me personally she meant a lot. I worked with her as a humble speech writer.

"I found her wonderful to work with. Some people found it difficult because if you came up with an idea she would challenge it from every aspect. Lots of people thought she didn’t believe them.

"She made sure ideas were robust and if they were she would take them on board 100%."

"I remember how decisive and energetic she was but also how kind she was when I was just a small cog in the words.

Mr Lilley remembers when Lady Thatcher visited St Albans City Hospital in 1985.

He said: "It was the first time she had been to a hospital. Everybody was concerned that she would be subject to harassment but she was well received.

"I remember a lovely incident when we were taking her round the wards and she was speaking to an old lady.

"They spoke for a little while and the lady said thank you so much for visiting me and asked if anyone had ever told her what a striking resemblance she had to Lady Thatcher."

Lady Thatcher was the Conservative PM from 1979 to 1990.

It has been announced that she will have a ceremonial funeral with military honours.

St Albans’ MP Anne Main has also paid tribute to the politician.

She said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Baroness Thatcher who I had the pleasure of meeting on several occasions.

"She came from an ordinary hardworking background and I think she was and is an inspiration to many young women.

"She was my political inspiration and changed Britain for the better; I think it will be a long time before we see another leader of her political stature."