I was a better MP without a husband, says Betty Boothroyd

BARONESS BOOTHROYD, former MP and Speaker of the House of Commons, claims that never being married or having children has been a useful time-saver throughout her 60-year career.

‘At my selection, one woman said: “The women here won’t vote for you because you don’t know what it is like to be married, to have a tough time, to bring up children, peel potatoes!” recalls Betty, 87, who, after working as a secretary to MP Barbara Castle, was elected as Labour MP for West Bromwich in 1973 and for West Bromwich West from 1974 to 2000.

‘This was anti-woman. I didn’t answer the question, I just said: “Because I have never been married, it has given me more time to look after the likes of you.” ’