Arthur Scargill, one of Margaret Thatcher's greatest domestic foes, has publicly remained silent since her death - but a text message seen by ITV News has revealed his reaction to the news.
Scargill, who led the National Union of Mineworkers during the 1984/85 miners strike, exclaimed "SCARGILL ALIVE!" when he received a text that read, "Thatcher's dead".
ITV News UK Editor Lucy Manning reports:
Lord Young responds to Scargill's response to Lady Thatcher's death. "Scargills's won no war...The only thing he has done is to outlive her."
One of Margaret Thatcher's biggest domestic conflicts came with powerful union boss Arthur Scargill. He clashed bitterly with her during the 1984/85 miners' strike.
Scargill has managed to avoid media attention since Thatcher's death - but now, for the first time, ITV News can reveal his response.
Arthur Scargill was sent a text message by Ken Capstick, the Treasurer of the Socialist Labour Party which read: "Thatcher Dead". As pictured below, back came this equally short reply from Scargill: "SCARGILL ALIVE !"
Former miners' leader Arthur Scargill today learns the result of his High Court fight to have the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) continue to meet the costs of his London flat for his lifetime.
The NUM wants Mr Justice Underhill to declare that it has no such continuing obligation to Mr Scargill, its president until July 2002. There are also disputes about his fuel allowance for his home in Barnsley, the cost of his security system there and the preparation of his annual tax return.
Mr Scargill has occupied the Barbican apartment, rented from the Corporation of London, since June 1982 - and the rent and associated expenses were paid by the union until 2011, except for a period between 1985 and 1991 when he met them.
Mr Scargill has drawn the court's attention to the NUM's practice of providing accommodation in retirement for former full-time national officials.