Betty Boothroyd: The Autobiography

by Betty Boothroyd

The enormous respect and affection of the British public for Betty Boothroyd has its roots in a strong belief in what she stands for€”fair play, an unshakeable sense of honor, and a passionate belief in the sovereignty of Parliament. This is a candid account of Betty Boothroyd€™s life in politics, and she speaks frankly of the devastation of losing two elections, of campaigning for JFK in America, and the elation she felt on finally becoming an MP in 1973. But her long political career reached its apogee in 1992 when she was appointed the first woman Speaker of the House of Commons. Detailing many of the true stories behind the headlines, she writes of the sleaze scandals that beset the Major government, her feelings when Labour won their landslide election in 1997, and her strongly held views on the role of Parliament.

Genres: Politics, Biography, Nonfiction

338 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2001

Reviews

[Dawn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting book about how someone from a Yorkshire working class family went on to become a Speaker in the House of Commons. Absolutely brilliant!

[Alfie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about a women I previously didn’t know much about. I enjoyed her candour and the description of her childhood in the Black Country, but although I am very interested in the workings of Parliament, I did find the section on her speakership a bit dull. An interesting read nonetheless.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autobiography of the first woman Speaker of the House of Commons. More or less chronological, published soon after her retirement so obviously by now some things have changed (parliamentary procedure, the expenses scandal). This is interesting on some of the background to what goes on in the house, especially the parts relating to the Speaker's House (I would have liked more of that!) Not really a very personal memoir though (who are all the mysterious friends who provide all the foreign holiday locations?) and while it's not very politically partisan some of the language around the Militant in Liverpool episode made me cringe a bit. There are some gems too - reminder of the John Stonehouse affair, for instance. This book will appeal to anyone with an interest in domestic British politics, second half of the 20th century, for a fairly detached view.

[Claire Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this after watching a play based on Betty’s life, which she was in the audience for. I’d never heard of Betty until this play, being at the age of 24, but felt compelled to learn more.

For a younger person with little knowledge of ‘historic’ politics, I found it to be a super hard read and it took me MONTHS to get through it - mainly because I didn’t know any of the names, and the book being so informative. With that being said, I lent the book to by gran (80), who was a lover of biographies, and she also struggled to get through.

However, it was a really interesting read and gave me much more perspective on the UK / British politics and how impactful Betty was.

[Adam Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. Betty’s character comes all the way through.
Personally I felt that after she becomes Speaker the book isn’t as interesting.

[Neil Horne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Think there was more to tell.

[Chris Phillips]

A very interesting autobiography of the first ever woman "Speaker" of the House of Commons in the UK Parliament.
Reminded me of the terrible times that in the 1970's to 80's when the Labour party almost got taken over by the undemocratic milititent tendency. It had been a carefully orchestrated plan, that almost worked. I am not a labour Party supporter, but had this happened then the even worse Thatcherite Tories would have had even longer grip on the UK. To my mind this book makes it even more plain to me that we need a proportional representation system to elect our parliament to PREVENT minorities ruling. Since the 1930's Britain has NEVER been ruled by a party that has won a majority of the votes. The last government won absolute rule on less than 25% of the population.
But this book is interesting on how certain traditions of parliament are carried out.

[Tom Barry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was obliged to read this book because it was chosen by my local bookclub. I have very little interest in domestic uk politics, and less interest in politicaians generally. But i gave it my best shot. The story does follow the life chronologically of Boothroyd as she rises from local northern lass through the ranks of the labour party to eventually become speaker of the house.
I might have enjoyed this book more if it was really about Betty, as oppossed to a political memoir. Only read this book if you are really interested in politics; if you are fascinated by Boothroyd and really want to get to know the person, this book won't help much. While it gives you her early life and influences, there is very little of the truly personal in this book. (I understand she may be Gay, which may partly explain this.) It's also a long book. Think hard before you buy it.

[JMJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admittedly I had some interest vested in this as Boothroyd is from my home town, however I found it very well balanced politically (more so towards the close, naturally) and a very informative account - this is the first autobiography I have read and if this was anything to go by, I would be happy to read other non-partisan political memoirs.

[Seren Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insight into the world of Parliament.