London OKs 10-Ft. Bronze Reagan Statue

London officials have overcome their distaste for an American artist and approved a 10-foot, bronze statue of President Reagan, the Independent reports. The Westminster City Council also waived a rule delaying statues for 10 years after a figure's death; Reagan died 5 years ago. Nancy Reagan and former PM Margaret Thatcher, both in poor health, will likely attend the unveiling outside the US embassy in Grosvenor Square.

Westminster officials initially cringed over the work of artist Chas Fagan. The "pose was felt to be weak" and "the piece was felt to lack the gravitas required," according to meeting minutes. But "regardless of politics, nobody can dispute that President Reagan was a true ally of this country,” said Westminster's council chair. Fagan is expected to cast the statue in about 6 months, the Times of London reports.
(More Ronald Reagan stories.)