Betty Boothroyd: The Autobiography

The enormous respect and affection of the British public for Betty Boothroyd has its roots in a strong belief in what she stands for: fair play, an unshakeable sense of honour, and a passionate belief in the sovereignty of Parliament. She tells of her childhood, her political career, the scandals and successes, why she decided to retire, and her plans for the future.

Betty Boothroyd was born in 1929, the daughter of a Yorkshire textile worker and weaver. In the mid-50s, after a career as a dancer with the Tiller Girls Troupe, she turned to politics. In 1973, after several unsuccessful attempts to enter parliament, she was finally selected as Labour MP for Bromwich, and served as an MEP from 1975 to 1977. In 1987 she became one of three deputy speakers in the House of Commons. But she is best known for becoming the first woman Speaker of the House of Commons, a post she held from 1992 to 2000. She was a popular choice, admired for her firmness, good-humour, fairness and ability to deal with a rowdy and mostly male House of Commons. Her straightforward, no-nonsense approach made her something of a celebrity. In 2001 she became a Life Peer and took her seat in the House of Lords as Baroness Boothroyd of Sandwell.