Rivals argue over Thatcher's legacy

NORTHUMBERLAND MP and former miner has reacted furiously after a leading Conservative councillor claimed the North East has “fond memories” of Margaret Thatcher.

- JAMES ROBINSON Local Democracy Reporter

Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery claimed parts of the region were still recovering from damage caused by the former Tory Prime Minister.

It comes after the deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, Richard Wearmouth, told ITV News that Mrs Thatcher did “amazing things” for the country. Speaking at the Conservative Party Conference on what would have been the Iron Lady's 100th birthday, he pointed out that the Nissan factory was brought to Sunderland during her time as Prime Minister.

But Mr Lavery, who took to the picket lines himself during the 1984/85 Miners’ Strike as a 21-year-old apprentice at Ellington Colliery, launched a scathing attack on Mrs Thatcher's time in office.