Betty Boothroyd started her working life as a dancer appearing and touring with a dance troop - The Tiller Girls. In 1950 she worked as assistant to several Members of Parliament and campaigned for John Kennedy in the USA. In 1973 she won her own seat in the House of Commons for the Labour party. She became Deputy Speaker In 1987 and in 1992 was elected Speaker of the House of Commons with support from both Labour and Conservative MP's.
