Baroness Boothroyd - a statement by the Lord Speaker
Monday 27 February 2023
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."
