FORMER Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher returned to 10 Downing Street yesterday to attend the unveiling of her portrait.

Dressed in a long royal-blue jacket, Baroness Thatcher was greeted on the steps of her former residence by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah.

Mr Brown shook hands with Lady Thatcher, who paused for photographs outside the famous door of No 10 but said nothing to waiting reporters.

As Lady Thatcher stood outside the door to Number 10, clasping her trademark handbag, some reporters called out “Is it good to be home?'' and “Are you pleased to be back?''

Lady Thatcher’s portrait was being unveiled at a private reception hosted by the Prime Minister and will go on permanent display in the stateroom’s lobby on the first floor of Downing Street.

The guest list for the event, drawn up by Lady Thatcher herself, included former members of her Cabinet and some of the journalists who covered her years in power, including former TV reporter and Strictly Come Dancing star John Sergeant.

Only two 20th- century premiers have paintings on display: David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill.

Lady Thatcher is believed to be the first living politician to have her portrait hung in the official residence of the Prime Minister.

The portrait is by Richard Stone, who has previously painted the Queen and the Queen Mother.