Ex-speaker Betty sells off her treasures

BARONESS Betty Boothroyd, the only woman to become Speaker of the House of Commons, is set to part with personal treasures which tell her life story.

Around 40 mementos from the former West Bromwich MP’S London apartment – including a gift from former Russia president Boris Yeltsin – are set to go under the hammer at Hansons London on April 26.

Although parting with items gathered over a lifetime has been hard she said: “I’ve just got to get on with it. I’ve cherished every single thing but I have to let go. I have loved everything.

“They’re a reminder of a colourful life. But I am downsizing. It’s an awful thing but that’s the way it is.

“It’s taken me a long time to go through everything. I am parting with lovely things I’ve collected over the years, or which were given to me as gifts during my public life. These little mementos, some bought during my travels to colourful countries like Cuba, mean so much. They’re my life story.”

Political provenance shines bright among the items which include an ornamental Russian box given to her by Boris Yeltsin, the first president of Russia from 1991 to 1999.

Baroness Boothroyd, 91, said: “I entertained President Yeltsin during a trip to London. He kissed my hand and gratefully presented me with the little box, which has a note inside from him. That would have been during the time I was Speaker between 1992 and 2000.

“Another object I absolutely love is a large, limited-edition ceramic figure of Lawrence of Arabia riding on a camel. It’s one of only six. It was given to me when I was president of the All-party Defence Group.”

The Baroness Betty Boothroyd Collection will be sold at Hansons London, Teddington, on April 26. The is athansonslive.co.uk. Email: ckirkham@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk for more.