Thatcher aide Lord Armstrong dies, 93
THE most senior civil servant in Margaretthatcher’s government and confidant to three prime ministers, has died aged 93.
Lord Armstrong of Ilminster, served in both thetreasury and Home Office. He was appointed Cabinet Secretary under Baroness Thatcher.
He had previously worked under Edward Heath as principal private secretary.
The Eton and Cambridgeeducated civil servant hit the headlines over the Spycatcher affair, when former MI6 officer
Peterwright attempted to publish a no-holds barred account about the Secret Intelligence Service.
Lord Armstrong coined the phrase “economical with the truth” in court when he tried to get the book banned in Australia, wherewright was living. It became a best seller.
Sir Bernard Ingham, Mrs Thatcher’s chief press secretary, praised Lord Armstrong saying: “I found him a very sympathetic and conscientious boss.”