BARONESS Betty Boothroyd, the first female Commons Speaker, died today aged 93.
The “inspiring” peer was first elected to parliament as the Labour MP for West Bromwich in 1973.
Betty Boothroyd & Opening women in Politics, 13.07.1992
She died today aged 93
She then made history in 1992 after being elected the first female Commons Speaker, a role she held until 2000.
To this day Baroness Betty is the only woman to have served in the prestigious position.
Paying tribute to the baroness, current Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: “Not only was Betty Boothroyd an inspiring woman, but she was also an inspirational politician, and someone I was proud to call my friend.
“To be the first woman Speaker was truly ground-breaking and Betty certainly broke that glass ceiling with panache.”
He added: “She was from Yorkshire, and I am from Lancashire – so there was always that friendly rivalry between us. But from my point of view, it was heartening to hear a Northern voice speaking from the Chair.
“She stuck by the rules, had a no-nonsense style, but any reprimands she did issue were done with good humour and charm.
“Betty was one of a kind. A sharp, witty and formidable woman – and I will miss her.”
Baroness Betty was born in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, in 1929.
During the mid-1950s she worked as a secretary for two Labour MPs before unsuccessfully running for two seats herself.
She was finally elected to parliament in 1973 after winning the West Bromwich by-election.
In 1974 the peer was appointed an assistant government whip.
And she also went on to serve as a Member of the European Parliament.
In 2001 Baroness Betty was made a life peer.
She dedicated the rest of her life to serving from the House of Lords cross benches.
MPs from across the political spectrum have praised Betty as a hard-working, dedicated and inspiring politician.
Ex-minister Simon Clarke said: “Betty Boothroyd was a magnificent parliamentarian, and it was still a thrill to see her around the Commons until recently.
“A really great Speaker.”
Nicola Richards, the current Tory MP for West Bromwich, added: “Incredibly sad to hear the news of the death of Betty Boothroyd, former MP for West Bromwich and speaker.
“Betty’s 27 years in Parliament representing the place she loved will not be forgotten here, nor will the 8 years she spent as one of Parliament’s best-loved House speakers.”
