David Cameron: 'Margaret Thatcher loved this country'

David Cameron has paid tribute to Lady Thatcher's ''lion-hearted'' love of her country, calling her the "patriot prime minister".

Britain's first female premier died at the age of 87 after suffering a stroke while staying at the Ritz hotel in central London.

In a statement outside Number Ten, Mr Cameron said Lady Thatcher will be remembered "for the great political battles that she fought."

"Margaret Thatcher loved this country, and she served it with all she had," he said.