Will Betty bring the House down? The Commons may soon have its first female Speaker

Article Abstract:

Miss Betty Boothroyd, Labour MP for West Bromwich West may become the first female Speaker at the Commons, which is more possible as nearly 10% of MPs are women since the 1992 election. In that role she would have some influence on the facilities in the building, its operation and working hours. The Speaker must carry the goodwill of the House to maintain discipline and retain respect. Betty Boothroyd was a Tiller girl, a professional dancer, when she was about 17 years old and returned home to Dewsbury, West Yorkshire to work as secretary to several politicians, including Barbara Castle, until whe won her Westminster seat at a by-election in 1973. In 1974 she was made a member of the Whips' Office. She has been one of the Deputy Speakers since 1987.

Practice, United Kingdom. Parliament. House of Commons, Speakers (Legislative officials), Boothroyd, Betty (Politician)

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New women will be very ... rare: how hard is it for a women to get a winnable seat?

Article Abstract:

Before dissolution of parliament there were 44 women MPs (Members of Parliament) among 650. This should increase as Labour and the Liberal Democrats require at least one woman candidate on each shortlist. Selection committees are out-of-date in interviewing candidates. Labour women are suspected of being too middle class. Conservatives reject positive discrimination but other women are prejudiced against women candidates. The 300 group all-party campaign for more women in Parliament found that men were not asked the same questions as women.

United Kingdom, Demographic aspects, Elections, Politicians

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Labour's falling star

Article Abstract:

UK Foreign Secretary Robin Cook portrayed great political ambition and single-mindedness as he sought a Cabinet position. However, becoming a government minister has so far appeared to bring only public humiliation. His reputation has been damaged by his divorce and remarriage, and he has also suffered a number of embarrassing political defeats. He may now be suffering from the fact that he has never really paid much attention to fostering close links with journalists or building up a group of loyal political supporters.

Political activity, Cabinet officers, Cabinet officials, Cook, Robin (British politician)

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