Baroness Boothroyd entered politics early due to her mother being a member of the Labour Party, even trying to become an MP herself in the 1950s. Both of Boothroyd's attempts in this decade were rejected. This did not set her back though as she went over to the United States to work for JFK. Then in 1973, she put what she thought would be her final, and fifth, attempt to be an MP in. This was successful and she won with a majority - her seat was on West Bromwich, for the Labour Party.
Boothroyd was then made Deptuy Speaker in 1987 and following this ran for Speaker in 1992 - where she was elected the first ever female speaker in the House of Commons. She ran unopposed to carry on being the Speaker in 1997.
There were a lot of moments in her career which lead her to being a household name, as well as some controversial moments (she controversially banned women from breastfeeding during particular committee hearings).
Overall, Boothroyd's presence was a positive one in which she inspired many other women to join politics. Her actions have seen a healthy increase of women in politics. Her aspirations, and the fact that she never gave up, show that anything is possible. The boundaries that existed for her in her early years no longer exist for us in the 21st century.
Boothroyd's motto "I speak to serve" show the passion she held for her job - she may even not have seen it as a job towards the closing of her career.
To be the first female speaker, and run unopposed, for eight years shows the strength she had. It shows that women can do a "man's" job (as this is what it may have been seen as when she was appointed).
Betty Boothroyd was an incredible woman, who came across many difficulties and many barriers, overcame everything to get what she wanted. She represents the power that women hold when they put themselves to the task. She represents that times change for the good and that no one can stop you achieving your dreams.
