RIP Margaret Thatcher

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher died overnight at the age of 87 after suffering a major stroke. She was Britain's first and only woman prime minister, serving 11 consecutive years. She was nicknamed the Iron Lady for her strong conservative views. She found a strong American ally in Ronald Reagan, whose eight years as president overlapped her years as Britain's top leader. She began advocating cutting taxes and reducing the role of government long before Reagan became president. When she took power in the late 1970s, virtually every major industry in Britain was owned by the government before she sold them all off. She was also an ardent opponent of ceding the country's power to a Euro authority.

UPDATE: Gov. Mike Pence released the following statement on Thatcher's death:

"Today, we mourn the loss of Margaret Thatcher, a dynamic leader who devoted her career to advancing economic freedom and individual liberty. At a time when the world needed bold vision and principled leadership, she inspired a generation to confront economic malaise and threats to freedom everywhere. Her passion and vision helped reshape the course of history and helped end the Cold War.

"Along with millions of Hoosiers, the First Lady and I extend our utmost gratitude for Margaret Thatcher's work, and, during this difficult time, we offer our prayers and deepest condolences to her family, friends and all those she held dear."