Memorial Service Is Held For Former Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Gyles Brandreth arrives for a memorial service for former Commons speaker Betty Boothroyd at St Margaret's church on January 16, 2024 in London, United Kingdom. Betty Boothroyd was born on 8 October 1929 in Dewsbury, Yorkshire. She worked as a professional dancer before entering politics. She unsuccessfully contested four parliamentary seats before being elected to West Bromwich in 1973. In April 1992, she became the first woman to be elected House of Commons Speaker, a post which she held until her retirement in 2000. She passed away on 26 February 2023, at the age of 93. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)