Thatcher in hospital for Xmas

There is no change in Lady Thatcher's condition, a spokeswoman for the former prime minister has said this afternoon.

The 87-year-old is not expected to be released from hospital for a few days after having a growth from her bladder removed.

Baroness Thatcher is said to be "in good spirits" as she recovers from minor surgery but is expected to celebrate Christmas in hospital.

The 87-year-old former prime minister was operated on two days ago to remove a growth from her bladder after suffering pain earlier in the week.

"I understand she is in good spirits," a spokesman said.

"Given her age, I don't think she will be coming out for a few days."

The veteran ex-premier's public appearances have been very restricted over recent years due to continued ill health.

Downing Street has said David Cameron wishes Baroness Thatcher "a speedy recovery".

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is in hospital recovering from an operation to remove a bladder growth.

Lord Tim Bell, the leading PR and advertising figure who was a close adviser to Baroness Thatcher, said she was expected to need several days of recuperation.

It could well mean she will spend Christmas in hospital, where she has been accompanied by her daughter Carol. Her son is believed to be on holiday overseas.

Lord Bell said the former politician had been in some pain earlier in the week and was sent by her doctor to hospital where it was decided the operation was required.It was a short procedure using what was described as "minimally invasive surgery", he said."She's fine," he added.

Baroness Thatcher was not well enough to join the Queen for a lunch with former and serving prime ministers as part of the Diamond Jubilee this summer.

And two years ago she missed an 85th birthday party thrown for her by Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street.

In October she was sufficiently well, however, to mark her 87th birthday with lunch at a restaurant in London's exclusive St James's district with her son Mark and his wife.

Her health was thrust into the global spotlight this year when Meryl Streep starred in a controversial Hollywood film about her.

The Iron Lady drew criticism from Mr Cameron and others for concentrating on the dementia she has suffered after a series of small strokes. Meryl Streep won an Oscar for the role.

Former prime minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher was admitted to hospital yesterday and is expected to be kept in overnight tonight after having a growth removed from her bladder.

The 87-year-old is said to be doing "absolutely fine", according to her spokeswoman.

Former prime minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher has had an operation to remove a bladder growth and is now recovering, according to a report.