Who was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?

Margaret Thatcher was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving from 1979 to 1990. Her election marked a significant breakthrough in British politics, as she was the first woman to hold the highest office in the UK government. Thatcher was a member of the Conservative Party and became known for her strong leadership style and policies, which emphasized deregulation of the economy and reducing the power of trade unions. She played a pivotal role in shaping modern British politics and is often associated with the term "Thatcherism," which reflects her economic and social policies.

Her tenure is notable not only for her leadership as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated political landscape but also for the impact her policies had on both the UK and global politics during the latter part of the 20th century.