Margaret Thatcher has 'routine' hospital tests after failing to shake off flu

Margaret Thatcher was today undergoing tests in hospital after failing to recover from flu.

An ambulance was called to the former prime minister's home in Belgravia last night after she was found to be running a high temperature. She was admitted to Bupa's Cromwell Hospital in Earl's Court where her condition is being assessed.

Last week Lady Thatcher was forced to withdraw from a Downing Street reception to mark her 85th birthday after coming down with flu. Friends said she was still being troubled by the illness yesterday afternoon, and aides called a doctor. A consultant suspected that she could be suffering from an infection.

Sir Mark Thatcher, who visited his mother in hospital at 10.30pm yesterday with his wife Sarah, said: "She's been recovering quite well but the doctors wanted to bring her into hospital for some routine tests over the next couple of days. If they go according to plan she'll be home shortly." He added: "She is in very good spirits, absolutely excellent. It's entirely precautionary."

Prime Minister David Cameron today wished Lady Thatcher a "speedy recovery". She insisted that about 150 friends and former colleagues go ahead with her birthday reception at No 10 last week despite her absence. Mr Cameron has promised to hold another celebration when she has recovered.

Following medical advice, Lady Thatcher now rarely speaks in public, although she still attends some high-profile functions. Her long-term memory is apparently good, but she can have trouble remembering things day to day.

In March 2008, the former prime minister, who has suffered a series of minor strokes, was taken ill during a dinner in Westminster and spent the night in hospital. She was given a clean bill of health after routine tests.