TWO councils will today open books of condolence for residents to remember former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council will have books at their offices until Lady Thatcher’s funeral next Wednesday.

The former Prime Minister, in office from 1979 to 1990, died on Monday from a stroke. She was 87.

The county council book will be at County Hall, New Road, Oxford, which is open from 8.45am to 5pm.

Conservative deputy leader Rodney Rose said the authority wanted to pay tribute, adding: “It is a Conservative-led organisation which tries to run along some Thatcherite guidelines.”

Cherwell District Council will also have books of condolence at two of its offices until the day of the funeral.

Its White Post Road, Bodicote, and Market Square, Bicester, offices open from 8.45am to 5.15pm.

Oxford City Council said it will not put out a book of condolence. It said: “People in Oxford who wish to sign the book of condolence should go to County Hall.”

Vale of White Horse District Council and South Oxfordshire District Council will not put out books of condolence.

Conservative Vale leader Matthew Barber said: “The sentiments are shared throughout the country but people want to do things and pay their respects differently.”

South Oxfordshire leader Ann Ducker said: “As much as I support her and have all the condolences, we didn’t think it was necessary to do this here.”

West Oxfordshire District Council has yet to comment.