Baroness Betty Boothroyd, who held the post of Commons Speaker between 1992 and 2000, has died aged 93.
She is to date the only woman to have served as Speaker, and was the MP for West Bromwich West between 1973 and 2000.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle described Baroness Boothroyd as “one of a kind” and a “sharp, witty and formidable woman”.
“Not only was Betty Boothroyd an inspiring woman, but she was also an inspirational politician, and someone I was proud to call my friend,” he said in a statement.
“To be the first woman Speaker was truly ground-breaking and Betty certainly broke that glass ceiling with panache.
Sir Lindsay, who is the MP for the Lancashire seat of Chorley, said it was “heartening to hear a Northern voice speaking from the Chair”.
“She stuck by the rules, had a no-nonsense style, but any reprimands she did issue were done with good humour and charm”
