Despite the extension of suffrage to women from 1918
onwards, Parliament today still remains a predominantly
male institution. But the situation is slowly changing, as
more and more women MPs are elected. Significantly,
recent years have also seen the first female Prime
Minister, Margaret Thatcher, and the first woman to
occupy the ancient and historic post of Speaker, Betty
Boothroyd.
Miss Boothroyd's election in 1992 required some adjustment to
the Speaker's traditional role. She continues to wear the official robes
and buckled shoes associated with the Speaker's dress, but has abandoned the traditional wig. In the house, she is addressed as 'Madam Speaker', having once told a member who was uncertain how to address a female Deputy Speaker, 'call me Madam.'
