Former British PM Thatcher in 'good spirits' in hospital

LONDON (AFP) - Britain's former prime minister Margaret Thatcher was "in good spirits" in hospital on Sunday, her spokesman said, as she continues her recovery from a bladder operation.

Thatcher, 87, was admitted to hospital on Thursday for a minor operation to remove a growth in her bladder after suffering pain earlier in the week. She is likely to remain in hospital over Christmas.

"I understand she is in good spirits," a spokesman said. "Given her age, I don't think she will be coming out for a few days." The former Conservative Party leader was Britain's prime minister from 1979 to 1990. She remains Britain's only female premier.

Earlier Sunday, public relations executive Lord Tim Bell, who advised the "Iron Lady" for her three general election victories, said Thatcher was doing "fine". "She is (at the hospital) at the moment and she's fine," he told AFP.