Betty BOOTHROYDLegendary former Labour MP and Speaker of the House of Commons Baroness Betty Boothroyd has died aged 93.
The stalwart politician served as MP for West Bromwich and West Bromwich West from 1973 to 2000 and was the first woman Speaker of the House of Commons from 1992 to 2000.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the current speaker of the House of Commons, recalled her "no-nonsense style" and her reprimanding of MPs with "good humour".
"Not only was Betty Boothroyd an inspiring woman, but she was also an inspirational politician, and someone I was proud to call my friend," he said in a statement on Monday.
"To be the first woman Speaker was truly ground-breaking and Betty certainly broke that glass ceiling with panache.
The Speaker 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."
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Baroness Boothroyd at this sad time.
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