Maggie has made the shortlist.
Professor Stephen Hawking and Margaret Thatcher have been named on a shortlist of British figures who could feature on the new £50 note.
Bank of England governor Mark Carney announced earlier this year that the new polymer note would celebrate British achievement in science.
The Bank said only people making a contribution to scientific fields would be deemed eligible, but the former Conservative prime minister has been included on the latest list.
I didn’t expect her to make the shortlist. I imagine there are heads a poppin’ over at the Guardian offices at the news. Indeed, Maggie on the note will make my day for no other reason than it will set off much weeping, wailing and rendering of garments in t just the right quarters. Shame it isn’t the fiver, though…
The rightwing blogging site Guido Fawkes launched an online petition for the former Conservative prime minister to become the new face of the £50 note in October.
Jolly good. I’m going to have to place a big order for more popcorn.
I thought Maggie was a Research Chemist, surely that would meet the criteria
Yes. She started off as a scientist and then turned to politics, and so did Hawkins, a scientist, who turned to meddling in politics for the couple of years before his death.
Mrs T at least sought the approval of the electorate by standing for Parliament.
If Guardinistas don’t want any “Maggies” I’ll gladly take them off their hands.
Just use her Spitting Image ‘bust’ on the note, and everyone will be happy.
“The Bank said only people making a contribution to scientific fields would be deemed eligible, but the former Conservative prime minister has been included on the latest list.”
Typical ignorant journalist, Mrs Thatcher BSc was an R&D scientist before being a politician.
imho Mrs Thatcher is infinitely more worthy than Hawking; I hope she’s selected
Funny how journos never forget to mention remoaner Sarah “Nanny State” Wollaston, devout PHE Supporter was a GP. I bet her patients were relieved when she became their ex-GP.
Excellent news. Margaret Thatcher is sorely missed by me.