Who Am I?
Betty was born in a mill town in Yorkshire, the daughter of textile workers. Her parents doted on her, and she had a very happy childhood. It has been suggested that the love that her parents gave her contributed to her later having the confidence to keep the politicians in line in Parliament. Indeed, her parents were keen socialists and as a child, Betty absorbed their political ideals. Her mother was involved in the Labour Party’s women’s section, and Betty went with her to listen to prominent speakers such as Aneurin Bevan, Jennie Lee, Barbara Castle, and her favourite – Clement Attlee. She spent a short time with the Tiller Girls, who performed on stage and TV. Betty attended council schools and later studied at Dewsbury College of Commerce and Art.
She became involved in politics, and although she failed to get elected four times, she continued and was successful in her bid to become a Member of Parliament for the Labour Party in 1973. She was one of only 27 female MPs at that time.
What Am I Known For?
She became Deputy Speaker of the House in 1987 and Speaker of the House in 1992 as the first female Speaker in the UK House of Commons.
The role of the Speaker is to supervise debates, announce the results of votes and, when necessary, discipline members of Parliament. Betty practised fairness in treating all members of the House equally, without favouritism and bias. Her sense of humour made her beloved of those working in Parliament and in the Country. Her catchphrase, “Right, time’s up”, indicated the end of questions for the Prime Minister.
After she retired, she was made a life peer and given the title of Baroness. The Queen honoured her with an Order of Merit in 2005. Not bad for a girl born to mill workers!
When asked how she would like to be remembered, she said as “an honest and fair Speaker”.
How About You?
Having a sense of humour is a wonderful strength, but it needs to be used without causing others distress or discomfort. Who do you know who shows humour without being silly and without putting others down?
How do you practise fairness? When have you been given a leadership role (perhaps to pick a sports team or to monitor other pupils)? Has it been easy or hard to practise fairness? Who in your class best demonstrates fairness?
Other Amazing People (you can find them on the website)
Other women in politics you can explore on the site include Eva Perón from Argentina and Sarojini Naidu from India.
Other Useful Resources (available on the website)
Along with these amazing women from history and politics, there are many more amazing women whose stories can be explored. See our Amazing Women of the World resource.
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Photo: Chris McAndrew, CC BY 3.0