Thatcher visits 10 Downing Street

LONDON, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was escorted through the famous front door of 10 Downing Street to meet with the current prime minister.

Thatcher, 82, Thursday declined the offer of a less obvious entrance in favor of the front door and an escort by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, London's Telegraph reported Friday.

"It was her decision -- she doesn't do back doors," an official in Brown's office told The Telegraph.

Thatcher made no comment to reporters as she toured the building where she lived as prime minister from 1979-90.

Her surprise invitation by Brown, the ruler of Britain's Labor party, followed comments earlier this month in which he praised Thatcher and said he intended to include the Tory party in his government and act on their behalf, The Telegraph said.

"I admire the fact that she is a conviction politician," Brown said. "I am a conviction politician like her."