Thatcher: Tories will win election

Baroness Thatcher has predicted a "splendid" Tory victory at the forthcoming general election.

The former Prime Minister spoke out when she reopened the refurbished Conservative Party offices in Romford, Essex, which were gutted by fire a year ago in a suspected arson attack.

Lady Thatcher, dressed in a striking royal blue suit, said: "The sun is shining and we can look forward to a splendid election victory."

She was accompanied by former Tory chairman Lord Tebbit, who called for three cheers for Lady Thatcher.

Andrew Rosindell, Conservative MP for Romford, said the offices, in Western Road, Romford, were "pretty well gutted". He said it was thought to be an arson attack although no one had been arrested.

Afterwards, Lady Thatcher planted a tree in nearby Coronation Gardens to mark the 60th anniversary of VE Day. The party were due to have lunch at Romford Stadium.