Betty Boothroyd

As we were going into st Thomas hospital my dh, gentleman that he is, opened the door for an elderly woman. He noticed she was wearing a House of Commons broach and recognised Betty Boothroyd.
A few years ago a friend was staying in the same hotel as Betty, apparently she smoked like the proverbial chimney and was the life and soul of the party. A real character. RIP.

Yes she was an excellent Speaker and a most remarkable woman.

I remember being fascinated by the fact that she was a Tiller Girl, she always seemed to have that touch of glamour about her as well as being a serious and dedicated politician.

RIP Betty Boothroyd

Brilliant woman, I’m sad to read that she has died. She was the best Speaker parliament ever had in my memory, head and shoulders better than any man. RIP!

A woman to be admired, we could do with more of her ilk now.
God bless Betty Boothroyd RIP.

Wonderful woman.

The chorus girl who became First Citizen, and distinguished herself in that role more than any other in my lifetime. What a story!

It was entertaining to watch her in action.
RIP Betty.

At the end of one of her great speeches

“Do not let anyone get away with the argument that tearing our country out of one of the most successful partnerships in our history is somehow a great act of patriotism. It is not.”

RIP

RIP Betty!

House

A timely reminder of the calibre of politician we used to have in positions of power (on both sides of the Hoyse if Commons).

and fabulous SOH

Yes, I admired her strength of character. RIP.

Truly a legend. Her calibre of politician is rare ...

Sad news, but what a great lady!

I admired her even more than I already did when I read how kind she was to Mo Mowlam, offering her the use of her flat in the HoC so she could rest during her treatment for a brain tumour.

I'm sad to hear that. She was formidable

RIP

Wonderful speaker and a great character. RIP Betty.

The first thread I started on GN was about Betty Boothroyd.

I'd seen her looking very elegant in a smart purple suit going to the State Opening of Parliament - she was waiting at the bus stop

She had retired by then but imagine that happening in any other country - what a gal!

Wonderful lady, and loved that she was a Tiller Girl. RIP Betty

Great woman. Excellent speaker-still the only woman to hold the post (and she was better than the men)
RIP Betty,
A life well lived.

May she rest in peace. She was very good at being Speaker, I thought.

That is sad news, much admiration for her

I had the greatest admiration for her. A fine politician and a real character. One of the best Speakers of modern times. Those who came after her had big shoes to fill.