At age 93, Betty Boothroyd, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Commons, passed away. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the current Speaker of the House, expressed his sorrow at her demise and lauded her as a remarkable politician as well as an inspirational woman.
He praised her for being the first female Speaker, smashing the glass ceiling, and remarked on her sass and tough exterior. Boothroyd was born in Dewsbury in 1929, and her mother’s affiliation with the Labour Party served as her first political exposure.
Attending rallies where notable speakers like Clement Attlee and Nye Bevan spoke influenced her. She was only 25 years old when a foot ailment ended her career as a dancer with the Tiller Girls.
When did Betty Boothroyd become Speaker?
Betty Boothroyd served as the Speaker from 1992 to 2000.
Who was Speaker after Betty Boothroyd?
Michael Martin was Speaker after Betty Boothroyd. Her successor, Michael Martin, did not wear the wig either. He also decided to simplify other elements of the costume by doing away with the silk stockings and the once-traditional buckled court shoes.