Betty Boothroyd 1929 - 2023

Betty Boothroyd was a woman of her time, who would always bring the house of noisy men to order. Betty Boothroyd was a British politician. During the mid to late 1950's Betty Boothroyd Worked as secretary to Labour MP Barbara Castle and Geoffrey de Freitos. Boothroyd stood five times before eventually winning the bi election seat for West Bromwich West in 1973.

Born in October 1929 in Dewsbury United Kingdom. She was the daughter Benjamin Boothroyd and Mary; her parents both being textile worker's. Betty studied at Dewsbury College of ' Commerce and art. She worked as a dancer becoming one of the famous 'Tiller Girls' and briefly appearing at the London Pallendium. A foot infection brought an end to her dancing career. And Boothroyd chose then to step into politics.

But to many of us Betty Boothroyd is remembered for her no nonsense but gentle hearted position as the first ever lady 'speaker of the house' in 1992, in its 700 year history. Betty Boothroyd was also the first in almost 200 years not to wear a wig; stating that "I think I couldn't wear a full wig, I'd turn my head one way and be seen in full profile."

Betty Boothroyd was a much loved and highly respected woman, both inside the house of commons and society in general. "In a tough era for women, she smashed paraliments ceiling" - The Gaurdian. Betty Boothroyd stepped down as 'speaker of the house' in 2000 having served under two prime ministers John Mayor (Conservatives) and Tony Blair (Labour). Boothroyd then becoming a member of the house of Lords in 2001 - 2023. Betty Boothroyd died at the age of 96 on 23 February 2023.

- Midlife Writer