Betty Boothroyd dies at 93 as tributes paid to first woman Commons Speaker
Legendary former Labour MP and Speaker of the House of Commons 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.
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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.
Betty Boothroyd, marking her retirement as Speaker of the House of Commons, in 2000 (PA)"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."
Harriet Harman - the longest-serving female member of the Commons and former Deputy Labour leader - said: "She was a remarkable woman.
"For her, as a woman to get to chair the overwhelmingly male Commons she had to be tough, professional, authoritative and indomitable.
"Betty was all those things. And she showed us women how to do it! RIP Betty".
Sir Tony Blair, who was the Labour Prime Minister during her tenure in the Speaker's chair, praised her "great authority, warmth and wit".
In a statement, he said: "It was a testament to Betty's many fine qualities that she became the first female Speaker and the first from the Opposition benches.
"She was a truly outstanding Speaker, presiding with great authority, warmth and wit, for which she had our deep respect and admiration.
Boothroyd leaves the House of Lords after listening to the Queen's Speech in May 2012 (AFP via Getty Images)"It was a privilege to be in Parliament during her tenure and to know her as the big-hearted and kind person she was. My thoughts are with her family and many friends."
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Labour's current leader Keir Starmer described Baroness Boothroyd as an "incredible and inspirational woman.
“As Speaker, she was at the forefront of a generation that smashed the glass ceiling for female politicians. She made the role her own, with a wit and style that will never be replicated," he added.
“Betty was a dedicated and devoted public servant who will be dearly missed by all who knew her. My thoughts - and the thoughts of the Labour Party - are with all her many friends and family.”
The Labour frontbencher Jess Phillips said her death was "crushing news".
Betty Boothroyd speaks at the People's Vote Rally in April 2019 (PA)She said: "Betty invited me for tea with her when I was elected, and kept in touch since. She was a character and a half and a formidable force. I'll miss her wit and cunning. Rest easy."
The senior Labour MP Margaret Hodge said Baroness Boothroyd was a "trailblazer for women" as the first female Speaker of the Commons.
"Inspirational in all she achieved," she said. "She will be missed by all".
The Labour MP Chris Bryant said Baroness Boothroyd was a "stern but winsome, she cared about doing things properly (but could be naughty) and loved mentoring newbies' '.
"She was a parliamentary star without ever being pompous. Requiescat in pace."
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeted: "A real trailblazer. Rest in peace Ma'am."
International Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch added: "This is sad news. Betty Boothroyd was an inspiration, not just for being the first female speaker, but for how she conducted proceedings in the House of Commons.
"With fairness, firmness, flair and fun. It was a pleasure speaking to her every time we met. May she rest in peace."
Baroness Boothroyd in the robing room ahead of her introduction into the House of Lords in 2001 (PA)Shortly after Sir Lindsay's statement it was announced there would be a one minute silence in the House of Commons with time allocated for formal tributes on Tuesday.
After leaving the Commons, the iconic Speaker then became a crossbench peer in the House of Lords.
But she rallied against the size of the Lords - one of the world's largest second chambers - and in 2017 she hit out at "childish" prime ministerial appointemnts to "services rendered to No10 or party funds".
In 2019 she also gave a barnstorming speech over the need for a second referendum. After she was greeted with a standing ovation she replied with her distincitve, "order, order".
Adressing a People's Vote rally, the former Speaker told the audience: "I thought my friends that my rallying days were over but this fight matters to me more than any I've known in my long life in politics".
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