Challenges Facing the 21st Century Margaret Thatcher Former Prime Minister of Great BritainMargaret Thatcher earned a degree in chemistry form Somerville College, Oxford and a master of arts degree from University of Oxford. She worked several years as a research chemist and then as a barrister, specializing in tax law. She was elected to the House of Commons in 1953 and held several ministerial appointments. She was elected leader of the opposition Conservative Party in 1975. In 1979 she was elected prime minister and served in that position - winning re-election in 1983 and 1987 - until resigning in 1990....