Baroness Betty Boothroyd, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Commons, died at the age of 93. Betty, who was born in 1929 in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, served as the Member of Parliament for West Bromwich West from 1974 to 2000. In 1992, she was elected as the first female Speaker of the House of Commons, a position she held until her retirement in 2000. She became a baroness in the House of Lords after her retirement, where she remained until her death.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the current Speaker of the House of Commons, eulogised Baroness Boothroyd, remarking, “Betty was an inspiring woman with a no-nonsense approach. Betty deftly shattered the glass ceiling when she became the first female Speaker, which was a truly groundbreaking achievement. Betty was one-of-a-kind; she was an intelligent, witty, and formidable woman, and I will miss her.
Many individuals who knew Baroness Boothroyd held her in high regard. She was a formidable politician who accomplished much in her life, including becoming the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Commons. Her passing is a significant loss for the Houses of Commons and Lords, as well as her family and friends. Baroness Betty Boothroyd will be remembered for her courage, wit, and resolve to shatter the political glass ceiling.
At the age of 93, Baroness Betty Boothroyd, the first female Speaker of the House of Commons, has passed away. Born in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire in 1929, she represented West Bromwich West as a Labour MP from 1974 to 2000. In 1992, she became the first female Speaker of the House of Commons, achieving what many at the time deemed impossible. After leaving this position in 2000, Baroness Boothroyd became a member of the House of Lords, where she remained until her passing.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the current Speaker of the House of Commons, was among the numerous individuals who paid tribute to Baroness Boothroyd. He stated, “Betty was an inspirational woman known for her straightforward manner. Betty deftly shattered the glass ceiling when she became the first female Speaker, which was a truly groundbreaking achievement. Betty was one-of-a-kind; she was an intelligent, witty, and formidable woman, and I will miss her.
Those who knew Baroness Boothroyd will remember her with fondness. She was an exemplary role model for all women and demonstrated that it is possible for women of any gender to achieve their goals. Those in politics and those who knew her personally are deeply saddened by her passing. Baroness Betty Boothroyd will be remembered for her resolve and tenacity, having overcome obstacles and accomplished something remarkable.
