Supporters of Margaret Thatcher want to build a museum in her memory (Picture: PA)

Plan for a £15million combined museum, library and educational centre to be created in memory of Margaret Thatcher to promote her political beliefs have been unveiled.

The centre, in London, will feature artefacts from her time as prime minister – including her handbags – and will attempt to shape future Conservative politics.

The Conservative Way Forward pressure group, which was led by Lady Thatcher, is behind the project.

The museum – which will be based on the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in America – will also boast training courses to educate people on Lady Thatcher’s main political philosophies.


The Conservative Way Forward said the library would ‘work to honour Margaret Thatcher’s remarkable life, achievements and is the defining legacy project in her memory’.



Ben Elliot, chairman of the project’s trustees, added: ‘The centre will be a place for scholars, students and tourists alike to come and learn about the remarkable life, the unique achievements and the core values of Margaret Thatcher.’

Margaret Thatcher died after suffering from a stroke (Picture: AP)

Tory MP Conor Burns also backed the scheme. He said: ‘She believed in action and so along with the usual statues and portraits we thought it was vital to do something that will continue to actively contribute toward political debates long after her death.’

And Lord Parkinson, former cabinet minister and Conservative Party chairman, said: ‘This will conserve Lady Thatcher’s legacy and teach a whole new generation about the importance of the work she did as prime minister.’

Conservative Way Forward chief executive Donal Blaney is believed to have come up with the idea in 2009.

Lady Thatcher, who died aged 87 on April 8, was aware of the plans and left a number of letters to be included in the museum.

Other supporters include transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin, Welsh secretary David Jones and Lord Tebbit.

Several ‘large donations’ have already been pledged and talks are under way about a site for the centre close to Westminster but private fundraising will not begin formally until after Lady Thatcher’s funeral on Wednesday.