FRAIL Margaret Thatcher seemed to endorse Liam Fox's hopes of becoming the next Tory leader by attending his 50th birthday party.

It was a rare public appearance for Baroness Thatcher, 85, who has suffered strokes in recent years. David Cameron was also among the guests at the bash at Admiralty House in Whitehall.

Defence Secretary Dr Fox said: "It was a pleasure to have two prime ministers at my 50th birthday party."