Betty Boothroyd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Baroness Boothroyd
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Official portrait, 2018
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| Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom |
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| In office 28 April 1992 – 23 October 2000 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Bernard Weatherill |
| Succeeded by | Michael Martin |
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| In office 17 June 1987 – 27 April 1992 |
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| Speaker | Bernard Weatherill |
| Preceded by | Paul Dean |
| Succeeded by | Janet Fookes |
| Member of the House of Lords | |
| Life peerage 15 January 2001 – 26 February 2023 |
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| Member of Parliament for West Bromwich West |
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| In office 24 May 1973 – 23 October 2000 |
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| Preceded by | Maurice Foley |
| Succeeded by | Adrian Bailey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 October 1929 Dewsbury, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 26 February 2023 (aged 93) Cambridge, England |
| Resting place | St George's Church, Thriplow, Cambridgeshire, England |
| Political party | |
| Alma mater | Kirklees College |
| Signature |  |
Betty Boothroyd, also known as Baroness Boothroyd, was an important British politician. She was born on October 8, 1929, and passed away on February 26, 2023. She served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for areas like West Bromwich from 1973 to 2000. She belonged to the Labour Party.
A very special part of her career was being the Speaker of the House of Commons from 1992 to 2000. Before that, she was a Deputy Speaker from 1987 to 1992. Betty Boothroyd made history as the first woman ever to become Speaker. As of 2026, she remains the only woman to have held this powerful position. After her time as Speaker, she joined the House of Lords as a crossbench peer.
Contents
Discovering Betty Boothroyd's Early Life
Growing Up in Yorkshire
Betty Boothroyd was born in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, in 1929. Her parents, Ben and Mary, both worked in textile factories. She attended local schools and later studied at Dewsbury College of Commerce and Art, which is now Kirklees College.
From Dancer to Politician
Before entering politics, Betty had a surprising career! From 1946 to 1952, she was a dancer with the famous Tiller Girls troupe. She even performed briefly at the London Palladium. However, a foot infection ended her dancing days. This led her to a new path: politics. At that time, it was very unusual for women, especially those not from wealthy families, to be involved in politics.
Starting Her Political Journey
In the 1950s, Betty worked as a secretary for important Labour politicians like Barbara Castle. In 1960, she visited the United States to observe the presidential campaign of John F. Kennedy. She even worked in Washington, D.C., helping American Congressman Silvio Conte from 1960 to 1962. After returning to London, she continued assisting senior Labour politicians. In 1965, she was elected to the Hammersmith Borough Council, serving until 1968.
Betty Boothroyd's Time as a Member of Parliament
Becoming an MP
Betty Boothroyd ran for the Labour Party in several elections. She finally became a Member of Parliament (MP) for West Bromwich in 1973. She held this important role for 27 years.
Working in Parliament
As an MP, Betty took on many responsibilities. In 1974, she became an assistant Government Whip. This role helps ensure party members vote together. She also served on the European Common Assembly (ECSC) for a few years. Later, she joined the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs. She was also part of the Labour Party's National Executive Committee.
Becoming Speaker of the House of Commons
Deputy Speaker Role
After the 1987 general election, Betty Boothroyd became a Deputy Speaker. She worked alongside the main Speaker, Bernard Weatherill. She was only the second woman in British history to hold this important role.
Making History as Speaker
In 1992, Betty Boothroyd was elected as the Speaker of the House of Commons. This was a huge moment because she was the very first woman to ever hold this powerful position! People wondered if she would wear the traditional Speaker's wig. She decided not to, but said future Speakers could choose for themselves. No Speaker since has worn the wig. When asked how she wanted to be addressed, she famously said, "Call me Madam."
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Important Moments as Speaker
As Speaker, Betty had to be fair and keep order in the House of Commons. She once had to use her special "casting vote" to break a tie in a government vote. This is a rare and important power. She also loved to encourage young people to learn about politics. She even appeared on the children's TV show Live & Kicking in the 1990s. Her famous phrase to end Prime Minister's Questions each week was "Time's up!"
Stepping Down
On July 12, 2000, Betty Boothroyd announced she would resign as Speaker. The Prime Minister at the time, Tony Blair, called her "a national institution." Former Prime Minister John Major also praised her as an "outstanding Speaker." She officially stepped down as Speaker and as an MP on October 23, 2000.
Life After Being Speaker
Joining the House of Lords
After leaving the House of Commons, Betty Boothroyd was given a special honor. On January 15, 2001, she became a life peer, which meant she joined the House of Lords. Her new title was Baroness Boothroyd. She also wrote her autobiography, a book about her life, that same year.
Recognitions and Awards
Betty Boothroyd received many awards and honors throughout her life. In 2005, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Merit (OM). This is a very special award given by the Queen herself. She also received several honorary degrees from universities. She was the Chancellor of the Open University from 1994 to 2006.
Continuing Her Influence
Even after retiring from her main political roles, Baroness Boothroyd remained active. She was a patron for schools and supported charities helping the elderly. She also shared her opinions on important political matters. For example, in 2011, she spoke about her concerns regarding changes to the House of Lords.
Betty Boothroyd's Personal Life and Legacy
Hobbies and Adventures
Betty Boothroyd was known for her adventurous spirit. In her 60s, she even took up paragliding while on holiday! She described it as both "lovely and peaceful" and "exhilarating." She once had an adventure in Morocco, getting caught in a big storm in the Atlas Mountains. She and others had to walk for nine hours to safety after their vehicle was stuck.
Her Passing
Betty Boothroyd passed away on February 26, 2023, at the age of 93. Her death was announced by the current Speaker of the House, Lindsay Hoyle. Many important people, including the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer, attended her funeral. Her friend, actress Dame Patricia Routledge, sang at the service. Betty Boothroyd left behind a legacy as a pioneering woman in British politics.
Symbols and Achievements
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Honorary Degrees
Betty Boothroyd received many honorary degrees from universities. These special awards recognized her important political career. Some of these included:
- Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) from City, University of London (1993)
- Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) from the University of Cambridge (1994)
- Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) from the Open University (1995)
- Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) from the University of Oxford (1995)
- Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from the University of St Andrews (2003)
She was also made an Honorary Fellow of Newnham College, Cambridge, in 1994.
See also
In Spanish: Betty Boothroyd para niños
