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 tenure was marked by significant political and economic changes, including the implementation of conservative policies that aimed to reduce state intervention in the economy, promote free markets, and strengthen national defense. Thatcher's leadership style and policies left a lasting impact on British politics and society, earning her the nickname "The Iron Lady" due to her strong stance against the Soviet Union and her uncompromising approach to governance.

In the context of the other individuals mentioned, while Theresa May served as Prime Minister after Thatcher and was the second woman to hold the position, she did not precede Thatcher. Angela Merkel is known for her role as the Chancellor of Germany and had a significant impact on European politics, but she is not affiliated with the United Kingdom. Indira Gandhi served as Prime Minister of India, making her an important figure in Indian history, but is also unrelated to the context of the United Kingdom. Thus, Margaret Thatcher stands out as the pioneer of female leadership in the British government.