Britain's Thatcher set to spend Christmas in hospital

LONDON (AFP) - Britain's former prime minister Margaret Thatcher was in hospital for a fifth day on Monday as she recovers from bladder surgery, a spokesman said.

There was no change in Thatcher's condition from Sunday when the 87-year-old was said to be "in good spirits", the spokeswoman added.

The former premier was admitted to hospital on Thursday for a minor operation to remove a growth in her bladder after suffering pain earlier in the week, and is expected to remain in hospital over Christmas.

The former Conservative Party leader was Britain's prime minister from 1979 to 1990 and remains the only woman premier in British history.