Bag an Iron Lady icon

One of the iconic symbols of the Thatcher years is expected to raise £100,000 when it is auctioned for charity.

The Iron Lady's black handbag, seen as a symbol of her authority as Prime Minister, will be offered by Christie's on 27 June. The black Asprey bag was at Baroness Thatcher's side at most important meetings, accompanying her to summits with Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s.

Lord Archer, who is guest auctioneer, said: "When I asked her to donate an item, she suggested the handbag, and I was delighted."