Sarah Palin lines up UK trip – and a visit to Lady Thatcher

Controversial US politician Sarah Palin could soon be on her way to Britain to boost her hopes of challenging Barack Obama in the 2012 US presidential election.



Her representatives approached Margaret Thatcher to ask for a meeting as part of a bid to enhance her claim to be the ‘heir to Ronald Reagan’ and prepare to challenge Mr Obama.



And Lady Thatcher has agreed to see Mrs Palin, who stood as the Republican vice-presidential candidate in 2008. A spokesman said: ‘We had an informal approach asking if Lady Thatcher would meet Mrs Palin if she comes to Britain and we said yes.’

Planning a comeback: Sarah Palin in New York earlier this month. Lady Thatcher has agreed to meet her in the UK as part of a bid to enhance the US politician's claim to be the 'heir to Ronald Reagan'



Mrs Palin seems to have ditched the staid and formal ‘hockey mom’ image she appeared to favour during her campaign with Republican hopeful John McCain.



Earlier this month she was spotted looking relaxed and in high spirits at the races in New York, with her hair down and wearing a baseball cap, trendy sunglasses, a flimsy T-shirt and jeans.



And there was speculation last week she may have had breast enlargement surgery after she appeared in public wearing a tight-fitting white blouse which showed off her figure.



But the former Alaska Governor issued a strong denial during a TV interview. ‘No, I have not had implants. I can’t believe we are even talking about this,’ she said.



Any trip by Mrs Palin to Britain could cause potential problems for David Cameron.



Embarrassingly, Mrs Palin’s team have not contacted No 10 so far.



Image change: Palin during her 2008 campaign



One individual involved in the talks about the visit said: ‘Palin’s people haven’t said anything about meeting Cameron. Their main interest is getting a picture of her with Lady Thatcher. I’m not sure they know who David Cameron is.’



It would also pose a delicate diplomatic protocol dilemma for the Prime Minister, who is trying to defuse an acrimonious confrontation with Mr Obama over the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.



Outspoken Mrs Palin has launched a series of savage personal attacks on the US President.



Mr Cameron would have to decide whether to pose for photographs with her on the steps of No 10, invite her in through the back door – or meet her elsewhere more discreetly.



It could also cause difficulties within the coalition Government. While many Right-wing Tory MPs admire Mrs Palin, many Liberal Democrat MPs regard her as dangerous and irresponsible.



She is opposed to gay marriages, abortion and gun control, supports capital punishment and is a global warming sceptic.



One source said: ‘A meeting with Margaret Thatcher would be an enormous publicity coup for Sarah Palin. Thatcher is by far the biggest political name in US politics, much bigger than Blair.



'Palin’s big hero is Ronald Reagan. In US Republican folklore Thatcher and Reagan brought down the Soviet Union between them. That’s why Maggie is so important.’



Mrs Palin has a Down’s Syndrome son, Trig, and is a grandmother. Speculation that she is preparing to run in the 2012 election has grown since she resigned as Governor of Alaska.



Asked directly if she would stand against Mr Obama, she said: ‘I would be willing to if I believe that it’s right for the country. I won’t close the door that perhaps could be open for me in the future.’



She is seen as the unofficial leader of America’s so-called Tea Party, a Right-wing tax-cutting movement.



At a rally earlier this year, she ridiculed Mr Obama’s pledge to change America, saying: ‘How’s that hopey-changey stuff workin’ out for ya?’



She criticised America’s increasing deficit since he won power and claimed he was weak on the war on terrorism.



