Rochdale MP, Tony Lloyd, has released the following statement following the death of Baroness Betty Boothroyd.

Tony said, “I’m sad to hear that Betty Boothroyd has passed away.

“She was an inspiring woman and someone I was proud to call my friend. To be the first woman Speaker in the Commons was no mean feat and it was especially pleasing to hear a Northern voice speaking from the Chair.

“She was firm but fair, witty and formidable. We will all miss her.”

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