Mr Sunak called her “remarkable” as he led the tributes, saying: “Parliament stands taller because of her service.”
Lady Boothroyd, a former Labour MP, shattered more than 700 years of parliamentary tradition when she became the first woman to be elected Speaker in April 1992, staying on until October 2000. She then entered the Lords as a crossbench peer in January 2001.
Born to mill worker parents in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, in 1929, Lady Boothroyd was a professional dancer from 1946 to 1948 and appeared in pantomime in London’s West End before going into politics.
She unsuccessfully contested four parliamentary seats before being elected to West Bromwich (later to become West Bromwich West) in May 1973.
1. Prime Minister arrives
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (left) arrives for the funeral. Photo: Joe Giddens
2. Sir Keir Starmer
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (left) arrives for the funeral. Photo: Joe Giddens
3. Lady Usher of the Black Rod
Lady Usher of the Black Rod, Sarah Clarke arrives for the funeral. Photo: Joe Giddens
4. Service to begin
The hearse carrying Baroness Betty Boothroyd’s coffin has arrived at a church in the Cambridgeshire village she called home before her death last month aged 93. A white floral tribute lies on top of the coffin. Photo: Joe Giddens