MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Margaret Thatcher in hospital and in stable condition

Lady Thatcher suffered a series of strokes in 2002

Former British Primer Minister Baroness Thatcher, 82, is said to be in a stable condition after being admitted to hospital for medical tests. A spokeswoman for St Thomas's Hospital in London said she was expected to stay in on Friday night under observation.

"Her condition is stable and she is speaking to the medical staff who are caring for her," she said. In recent years, Lady Thatcher suffered a series of strokes and was advised by doctors against making public speeches. A Conservative Party spokeswoman said: "We have been in touch with her office and we wish her well." The Tory peer has made a number of public appearances in recent years. In January, she was presented with a lifetime achievement award by David Cameron at a ceremony in London. The current Conservative leader described her as a "towering figure" who had "transformed our country". She also won praise from Prime Minister Gordon Brown during a high-profile visit to Downing Street last year. Labor's long-time foe was, he said, a "conviction politician". Lady Thatcher lives in Belgravia in central London. Her husband, Sir Denis Thatcher, died in June 2003, aged 88. She was prime minister for 11 years before resigning, under pressure from her party, in 1990.