West Midlands politicians pay tribute to Betty Boothroyd, former West Brom MP

Betty Boothroyd, the first woman to become the speaker of the House of Commons, has died at the age of 93.

She was elected as Speaker of the House of Commons in April 1992 - the first woman to do so - while serving as West Bromwich West MP, staying on in the role until 2000.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Boothroyd for her ‘passion, wit and sense of fairness she brought to politics’ during his tribute in the House of Commons today (27 February).

She has also been praised by local politicians for standing up and fighting for the West Midlands during her 20 year stint as a local MP, and she earned respect from both sides of the house. Boothroyd made her name in the Labour Party for her anti-left wing stance, and once called on the party to get rid of the ‘extremists, headbangers and militants’.

Boothroyd, who was born in Dewsbury in Yorkshire in 1929, served as Member of Parliament for West Bromwich and West Bromwich West from 1973 to 2000.

As a Labour member, she unsuccessfully contested several seats across the country before being elected MP for West Bromwich in the 1973. She served the West Bromwich and West Bromwich West constituencies from 1973 to 2000 and became hugely popular figure in the region and was created a life peer, taking as her title Baroness Boothroyd of Sandwell in 2001.

When she was appointed assistant whip for the West Midlands in 1974 ,she became the first woman to be made a Labour government whip. After leaving her role as speaker in 2000, she went on to take up a life peerage in the House of Lords with the title Baroness Boothroyd.

A one minute silence was held in the House of Commons on Monday (27 February) to mark her passing.

‘She made West Brom proud’

A number of MPs and political figures have paid tribute to her.

Posting on Twitter, West Bromwich West MP Nicola Richards, wrote: “Incredibly sad to hear the news of the death of Betty Boothroyd, former MP for West Bromwich and speaker. Betty’s 27 years in Parliament representing the place she loved will not be forgotten here, nor will the 8 years she spent as one of Parliament’s best-loved House speakers.”

Labour Leader Keir Starmer said: “Betty Boothroyd was a dedicated and devoted public servant who will be dearly missed by all who knew her. My thoughts - and the thoughts of the Labour Party - are with her friends and family.”

Shaun Bailey, MP for West Bromwich West, also posted on social media. He wrote: “Betty remains an inspiration to so many. I’ve always been conscious that I’m following in the footsteps of someone who paved the way for so many. Her legacy will always be a source of pride for everyone in our community.”

Gerard Coyne, Unite the Union General Secretary, said: “I first met Betty Boothroyd when 5yrs old as my Dad was Chair of West Brom CLP. She made West Brom proud as the first woman speaker and will be dearly missed. RIP Betty.”

Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips also paid tribute to Boothroys, saying: “This is crushing news. Betty invited me for tea with her when I was elected, and kept in touch since. She was a character and a half and a formidable force. I’ll miss her wit and cunning. Rest easy.”

West Midlands Andy Street also paid tribute. He wrote: “It’s incredibly sad to hear the news that Betty Boothroyd has passed away. Betty stood up & fought for the West Mids for over 20 years as the MP for West Bromwich before becoming the first female speaker of the House of Commons. A real inspiration & role model for many. RIP.”

Incumbent speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, MP, said he was “saddened” at the news. “I’m very saddened to hear of the passing of my friend the Rt Hon. Betty Boothroyd, Speaker of the House of Commons 1992 - 2000. I’d like to offer my heartfelt condolences, on behalf of the House, to Betty’s family and loved ones,” said Mr. Hoyle.

Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: “I am so very sad to hear that Baroness Boothroyd has passed away. She was an inspirational politician, a woman we could all look up to and an MP and Baroness we could proudly call our own.

“She truly led the way – becoming the first woman to hold the position of Speaker of the House of Commons. This was a historic achievement for which she was known around the world.

“Locally, we remember her service to the people of West Bromwich West as their MP, helping residents with so many different issues over many years, and her significant contribution to the borough of Sandwell. She really helped to raise the profile of West Bromwich and Sandwell.

“On behalf of everyone at Sandwell Council, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Baroness Boothroyd’s family, friends and colleagues.”