Tributes have been paid to former Speaker of the House of Commons Betty Boothroyd who has died at the age of 93.
Current house Speaker Lindsay Hoyle led the tributes to Baroness Boothroyd, who was the first woman Speaker, serving in the position from 1992 to 2000. She also served as the Member of Parliament for West Bromwich and West Bromwich West from 1973 to 2000.
Prior to her death, Baroness Boothroyd had sat as a crossbench peer in the House of Lords.
READ MORE: Labour Party paid for lawyers for councillors involved in parking probe
Mr Hoyle said: "Not only was Betty Boothroyd an inspiring woman, but she was also an inspirational politician and someone I was proud to call my friend.
"To be the first woman Speaker was truly ground-breaking and Betty certainly broke that glass ceiling with panache. She was from Yorkshire and I am from Lancashire - so there was always that friendly rivalry between us. But from my point of view, it was heartening to hear a northern voice speaking from the chair."
The Chorley MP added: "She stuck to the rules, had a no-nonsense style, but any reprimands she did issue were done with good humour and charm. Betty was one of a kind. A sharp, witty and formidable woman - and I will miss her."
READ NEXT:
'Fit and healthy' dad given days to live after suffering stomach ache
Woman suffered 15 years of agony before excruciating pain diagnosed
Odds on coldest March ever slashed as Met Office warns of chilly start to month
Labour Party paid for lawyers for councillors involved in parking probe
