Speakers pay tribute to Baroness Boothroyd following news of her death

The Speakers of the House of Commons and House of Lords have paid tribute to Betty, Baroness Boothroyd today.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said:

'I am saddened to announce that The Rt Hon. Baroness Betty Boothroyd, former Speaker of the House of Commons, has passed away.

'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.'

The Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith said:

‘I am deeply saddened by the death on Sunday of Baroness Boothroyd, better known as Betty to her many friends and all those who admired her.
The first – and so far only – female Speaker of the House of Commons, Betty has firmly secured her place in the history books.

I have many fond memories of the time when I served alongside her as an MP in the Commons, and respected her exemplary stewardship of the Chamber after she was elevated to the Speaker’s Chair in 1992.

She was also a valued member of the House of Lords, where she served with distinction for more than 22 years and, in her own words, worked to “defend the integrity of this House and maintain the authority of our bicameral Parliament… the chief forum of the nation”.

Betty made her last contribution to our proceedings at the age of 90 in a debate on the Internal Market Bill in 2020 – some 47 years after first entering Parliament as MP for West Bromwich. She will be sorely missed.
On behalf of the House I extend our condolences to the noble Baroness’ family and friends.’

Business in the House on Monday

Immediately after Prayers today, the Speaker of the House of Commons will make a formal announcement and then a one minute’s silence will be observed in the Chamber in memory of Baroness Boothroyd.

Flags in New Palace Yard have been lowered to half-mast. There will also be an opportunity for Members to pay tribute in the Chamber later in the week.