The first female Speaker of the House of Commons, Betty Boothroyd, has died.
Lindsay Hoyle announced the 93-year-old’s death today, describing her as an “inspirational politician, and someone I was proud to call my friend.”
Baroness Boothroyd served as Speaker from 1992 to 2000, and was also the MP for West Bromwich and West Bromwich West from 1973 to 2000.
Mr Hoyle added: “Betty was one of a kind. A sharp, witty and formidable woman – and I will miss her.”
Her death leaves John Bercow as the only living former Speaker of the House of Commons.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s full statement read: “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.
“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.”
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