Margaret Thatcher's election agent, described as the 'man who made her', has died peacefully aged 83.

Roy Langstone helped the former Finchley MP and Prime Minister win six general elections in 20 years.

He died at home in Whetstone on Monday after a short illness. He leaves a wife, Finchley Councillor Barbara Langstone, a son and granddaughter.

A spokesman for Lady Thatcher said she was deeply saddened by the news. Mr Langstone first arrived in Barnet in 1962 to work for Finchley and Friern Barnet Conservative Association where he met the future PM.

'Politics was our love,' said Mrs Langstone who met her husband through the Young Conservatives.

The funeral takes place at St Marylebone Crematorium, East End Road, Finchley, at 1.45pm on Thursday. Donations to The Friends of Finchley Memorial hospital.