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
In 1992 she then made history after being elected as the first female Commons Speaker.
She’s the only woman to have ever served in the role.
Paying tribute to the baroness in parliament today, 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 Boothroyd was born in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, in 1929.
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