Margaret Thatcher statue unveiled in ‘modest’ ceremony

The statue of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has been unveiled in her home town of Grantham following a modest ceremony. 

The statue costing £300,000 has been the target of vandals in recent weeks. The red paint, which had been splattered over the statue had been cleaned off.

At least four CCTV cameras surround the statue. Some residents said that they expect more vandalism. Other residents said that the money could have been better spent on improving the town.

Plans to erect the statue in Parliament Square were rejected.

In attendance was Sir Graham Brady MP, Chairman of te 1922 Committee and the Mayor of Grantham Graham Jeal who officially unveiled the statue, which had been draped in the union flag. 

Prior to the unveiling a young woman threw a cup of coffee towards the statue before moving away. A small number of protesters also gathered in the area.

A lone bagpiper accompanied the dignitaries to the green.

Written on the plaque are the words:

I Have Fought A Good Fight I Have Finished My Course I Have Kept The Faith.

Video ©Peter A Tully

The following video contains some bad language.

Within one day of the unveiling the statue was vandalised again, this time with red, white and blue paint.