Connect with us

News

Prime Minister in Cambridgeshire for funeral of Betty Boothroyd

Avatar photo

Published

on

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was among those who attended the funeral of one of Cambridgeshire’s most revered politicians, Betty Boothroyd, the first female Speaker of the House of Commons.

The service took place on Wednesday in the 12th Century St George’s Church in Thriplow, the village south of Cambridge where she had lived for many years.

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George's Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: Bavmedia

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George’s Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: Bav Media

She had served as Speaker of the House of Commons from 1992 to 2000 but from 1973 to 2000 had been Labour MP for West Bromwich.

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George's Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: Bavmedia

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George’s Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and (pictured) Sir Keir Starmer. PHOTO: Bav Media

Advertisements
canopyuk.com in-article

In 2001 she was made a peer and as Baroness Boothroyd entered the House of Lords.

She lived in Thriplow for more than 30 years, and died last month at the age of 93.

Thriplow and Heathfield parish councillor David Easthope said: “Parish councillors were very sorry to hear of the death of Baroness Boothroyd.

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George's Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: Bavmedia

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George’s Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: Bav Media

“During her busy life in public service and after her retirement Betty greatly valued the privacy that living in Thriplow gave her.”

He told the Royston Crow newspaper: “She was a lovely lady who always looked immaculate even when simply going along to the Thriplow shop or for a meal at our village pub – The Green Man.

“After her retirement she supported local organisations by giving excellent and very entertaining talks about her life and work in politics.

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George's Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: Bavmedia

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George’s Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: Bavmedia

“Her presence in the village, together with her wit and wisdom will be missed by many.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and current speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle were among those at the funeral service.

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George's Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: Bavmedia

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George’s Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: Bav Media

“Today we come together from across the political spectrum to remember one of our greatest Speakers – the remarkable Betty Boothroyd,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

“Parliament stands taller because of her service.”

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George's Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: Bavmedia

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George’s Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: Bav Media

Sir Keir called Baroness Boothroyd an “inspiration”.

“A devoted public servant, Betty was at the forefront of a generation of women who smashed the glass ceiling for female politicians,” he tweeted.

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George's Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: Bavmedia

The funeral of former House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd took place in St George’s Church in Thriplow; mourners included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. PHOTO: Bav Media

“She will be dearly missed by all in politics.”

Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab and Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner stood in for Mr Sunak and Sir Keir respectively during Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons.

Can you help us?

While you’re here, we are asking, for the first time, for readers to support us financially by taking out a modest subscription.

£2, or £3 or even £5 will help us achieve our goals. It will mean the second year of CambsNews will be livelier, healthier, and much better placed to cover the important issues affecting our everyday lives.

Your subscription simply means we can provide and expand our news FREE to all readers (Read More)

Will you help us? Simply click the link below to make a donation.

Facebook

Read More

News9 hours ago

We need YOUR support to take CambsNews to the next level – here’s how YOU can help

We are asking, for the first time, for readers to support us financially by taking out a modest subscription.

Blake Healy (right) and Zak Wales being arrested. The meat and fish also in the photo had been stolen by Zak Wales. Blake Healy (right) and Zak Wales being arrested. The meat and fish also in the photo had been stolen by Zak Wales.
Crime9 hours ago

Jailing two Cambridge shoplifters ‘will be welcome news to businesses’

'This pair show no regard for walking out of stores with baskets full of stolen items'

Susan Folkes, 68, of Black Horse Drove, Littleport, died after the red Ford Focus she was driving was involved in a crash with two tractors Susan Folkes, 68, of Black Horse Drove, Littleport, died after the red Ford Focus she was driving was involved in a crash with two tractors
News10 hours ago

‘Loyal and kind’ woman killed in crash on the A10 near Littleport

A 40-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving

Norwood Road, March, ‘ground breaking’ ceremony for a scheme poised to bring 50 new affordable homes to the heart of March, comprising of all affordable rent properties. Completion on the site, supported by grant funding from Homes England, is expected in November 2025. Norwood Road, March, ‘ground breaking’ ceremony for a scheme poised to bring 50 new affordable homes to the heart of March, comprising of all affordable rent properties. Completion on the site, supported by grant funding from Homes England, is expected in November 2025.
News10 hours ago

Accent’s accelerated charge to reduce housing waiting lists in Cambridgeshire

Accent speaks of its development ambitions for them across Fenland, Huntingdonshire, and Cambridgeshire

Cllr Asim Mahmood and Andrew Pakes Labour Parliamentary candidate, on a visit to the bus depot in Lincoln Road, Peterborough. Cllr Asim Mahmood and Andrew Pakes Labour Parliamentary candidate, on a visit to the bus depot in Lincoln Road, Peterborough.
News12 hours ago

£200,000 finally released to kick start ‘overwhelming’ need for new bus depot for Peterborough

'I am looking forward to working with the Combined Authority to help deliver many of our priorities'

Drug dealer George Bellamy, 24, of Broadway, Yaxley, had heroin, cocaine and £2,290 in cash when he was arrested: a further £3,170 in cash was found in a safe. Drug dealer George Bellamy, 24, of Broadway, Yaxley, had heroin, cocaine and £2,290 in cash when he was arrested: a further £3,170 in cash was found in a safe.
Crime14 hours ago

By George! Drug dealer told cough up £5,000 or face extra time in jail

'Not only has Bellamy got a significant prison sentence, but he must also pay back his ill-gotten gains'

Joy, as she was known to one and all, leaves her husband of 57 years, three children and six grandchildren. Joy, as she was known to one and all, leaves her husband of 57 years, three children and six grandchildren.
News14 hours ago

Family tribute to wife, mum and grandmother, 79, killed in A16 crash near Peterborough

'She wore many different hats during her life including working for the American air force at Mildenhall'

Historic day for Huntingdon as HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the new fire station and Cambs fire and rescue training centre Historic day for Huntingdon as HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the new fire station and Cambs fire and rescue training centre
News15 hours ago

GALLERY: Huntingdon fire station welcomes HRH The Princess Royal

Evlyn, 8, and Keevah, 11 – whose fathers work at the fire station – presented Her Royal Highness with a...

Ernie Almond, who has died aged 80 after a short illness. He spent many happy years as a radio presenter on BBC Three Counties Radio, as one half of the popular “Ern and Vern Show”. Ernie Almond, who has died aged 80 after a short illness. He spent many happy years as a radio presenter on BBC Three Counties Radio, as one half of the popular “Ern and Vern Show”.
News15 hours ago

Radio legend Ernie Almond: ‘A funny modest talented and selfless man with just a hint of mischief’

Ernie Almond joined the Black Cat Radio team from the moment of its FM launch in April 2017

Firefighters stage protest in Huntingdon over reduction in reduction to fire crews PHOTO: Mark Thomas Firefighters stage protest in Huntingdon over reduction in reduction to fire crews PHOTO: Mark Thomas
News1 day ago

HRH The Princess Royal finds one’s way interrupted by protesting firefighters

Cambridgeshire firefighters stage protest in Huntingdon