A LONG-SERVING Tory MP feels his party "never recovered" from ousting Margaret Thatcher.

David Amess, Conservative MP for Southend West, made touching tributes to the former Prime Minister on Wednesday, April 10, but also revealed how he had fought to keep her in place.

Mr Amess said she was the "greatest" politician he had ever met and helped him throughout his political life.

He said: "She was without doubt the dominant force in Parliament and in the world. She changed our country and the world and made them better places in which to live. She was a force for good.

"Whether it be through her philosophy that we should all make the most of our god given talents or opportunity for all she transformed our nations circumstances from the dark days of 1979."

Speaking of the Mrs Thatcher's legacy, he added: "Without question she is the greatest national or international politician I have ever met. It was a privilege to have known and worked with her."