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 There is hardly any country that Baroness Boothroyd hasn't visited, nor statesman or women of the 20th Century whom she hasn't met. Highly regarded by many politicians abroad who envied the British Lower House and wish they had someone of her authority to run theirs. The respect in which she is held, by both parties, as Speaker is unprecedented.
She has said that politics was "under her fingernails, like miners dust". No matter how hard you scrub you can't get rid of it.
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It's different for women
In 1974, I was a member of parliament. I went to buy a TV on higher purchase and put down "single" on the form and was refused. They didn't know who I was. There was a battle royal and they backed down, but it shouldn't have been necessary.
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My colleagues in the house, at selection conferences, if they're married, are asked who's going to look after your husband, who's going to look after your children?
Even now, whenever there are women members leaving and going back to their families, they're described as can't hack it. The press never speak of those who make a success of combining both careers. One successful member of parliament says she spends 93% of her salary on child care. Another, was divorced when her child was two. Several women MPs are hounded by the Press. The media highlights only the ones who don't succeed.
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I was an only child. My parents were not high fliers. They were local people in local groups, not even regional groups. I grew up hearing them talk. There was no seminal moment. I call it the inevitability of gradualness, I was a young socialist, I was in the league of youth. Then I came to London, working as a Personal Assistant to an MP. I learned a great deal from him. How to handle people, how to do the job.
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My Role Models
I had two very different role models, Judy Garland, and Elizabeth I. Absolutely different, but both hugely talented. I loved the music, the concerts at Carnegie Hall and London Palladium, full of spirit and energy, the music was marvellous, and the meaning of the words, always clearly enunciated.
Elizabeth I did it her way. A girl of 14 in the Tower of London, never knowing if she was to be executed. Educated in Latin and Greek and she spoke most European languages. She was a loner, never married, "with this ring I wed the Realm."
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The advantage of being a woman. The press will focus on you being a woman, but you can use it to advantage. Women are more colourful. When I fought a by-election, they thought I wasn't strong enough, but you can use the press to your advantage.
Having said that I do like all the common courtesies extended to women and I notice if I don't get it. I rarely travel on the underground, but people always stand up for me, whether it's the grey hair or the wrinkles.
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Advice to young women
Look out girls, you're going to be knocked back . Pick yourself up and get on with it.
Determination is hugely importance and you can win through. Don't let anybody put you down.
There is no time for weeping. Attracting the opportunity, seeing/ recognising the opportunity, and seizing the opportunity.
One honour amongst many is most prized by her. The Chancellor of the Open University. Started by Jennie Lee, of her own party, the only University with no entry exam. At each graduation, there are many grandmothers who bring the younger members of their family.
It is clear that Baroness Boothroyd would have like to be a graduate herself, yet as a role model she stands for any young woman who wants to achieve something exceptional. Her sheer determination. Once she'd worked as a PA and realised how good she was, she thought, "I can do that as well as you, and I am as committed as you", but to fight so many by-elections and not disheartened? She had her heart set on being there. She knew it was what she wanted to do.
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©2014 Christina.ionthecity.com
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