Iron lady breaks mould

Murmurs of dissent are expected next Tuesday at the Political Studies Association's 50th Anniversary Awards Ceremony, when a special "Breaking the Mould" award is made to Baroness Thatcher. Indeed, one member of the awards jury has insisted on having his objections to honouring the iron lady minuted.

Jack Arthurs, an organiser of the ceremony, said: "She is a controversial figure for obvious reasons, but to exclude her from a review of the past 50 years in politics would be a glaring omission."

Another glaring omission will be noticeable among the guests. Lady Thatcher has declined to pick up her award in person.