A former council leader has suggested civil flags should be flown at half mast for Baroness Thatcher.

Former Brighton and Hove City Council leader Mary Mears joined those in paying tribute to the former Prime Minister.

The Conservative councillor said Baroness Thatcher has been her “absolute inspiration”.

Coun Mears, who like the former Prime Minster is the daughter of a greengrocer before becoming a political leader, said: “We have had similar career paths, although mine were not as lofty.

“You get the highs, the lows and then the knives in the back.

“She was just an amazing person. I admire people that speak up for people and say it how it is.”

She added she felt there should be some consideration to lowering the flag at the council’s Kings House headquarters to half mast.

Coun Mears said: “The Queen has agreed for a state funeral so if the Queen feels it’s that important to the country then perhaps others do.

“The flags are normally only flown at half-mast for royalty and I see the one above the Houses of Parliament has been lowered.

“That just shows how high she was thought of.”