Baroness Boothroyd, the first woman to become the UK House of Commons speaker, passed away on February 26, 2023, at age 93. The news of her demise has left the British Parliament and the Iranian Resistance mourning her loss.

Born in Yorkshire to a working-class family, Baroness Betty Boothroyd defied all traditional expectations of what a senior MP should be. She was elected as MP for West Bromwich in 1973 and later became the first and only female speaker of the house in 1992. In an era that was tough for women, Baroness Boothroyd smashed the glass ceiling of parliament. She became an MP in a Commons where 630 of the 650 MPs were men and was elected to the speaker’s chair by a Commons that was 90% men. She was a role model and a trailblazer.

Iranian opposition President-elect Maryam Rajavi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), expressed her condolences to the British Parliament, people, and family in a tweet. She said, “Betty Boothroyd was a brave, freedom-loving, and noble woman, and the Iranian people and Resistance have lost an unforgettable friend.”

“Baroness Boothroyd was known for her professionalism, breath-taking energy, and being always more briefed than anyone else in the room. Her achievements pale in the face of her warmness, generosity, and kindness. With her demise, the Iranian Resistance and Iranian women lost a dear friend and supporter.” said Mrs.Rajavi

Baroness Boothroyd had personally met with Mrs. Rajavi and supported the Iranian Resistance. She was outspoken against the clerical regime and its violations of human rights in Iran. On many occasions, she addressed the Free Iran rallies. In her speeches, she saluted the courage and determination of Iranian women who campaign for changes in repressive measures and discrimination against women and girls. She was a vocal supporter of Mrs. Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, a democratic platform to encompass the aspirations of the Iranian people.

In her messages to NCRI gatherings, Baroness Boothroyd hailed Mrs. Rajavi as a strong, determined leader with a clear vision for the future of Iran. She called for the UK government to recognize Mrs. Rajavi as the true representative of the Iranian people and her movement, the NCRI, as the only viable alternative to the current regime for the people of Iran to choose their future leaders in a free and fair election in an open and democratic society.

Baroness Boothroyd’s unwavering support for Iranian women and their struggle to overthrow the clerical regime will be remembered fondly by many. Her demise marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire many generations to come.

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTub