Charities to benefit from Betty Boothroyd items auction

Items owned by former House of Commons Speaker Baroness Betty Boothroyd are to be auctioned off for charity.

Dewsbury-born Lady Boothroyd, who died last year aged 93, worked as a dancer before becoming a Labour MP in 1973 and the first ever woman Speaker in 1992.

She stepped down from the role in 2000 and moved to the House of Lords.

The collection is expected to raise £200,000 to be divided between six charities, with one diamond ring estimated to sell for up to £100,000.

The sale features items relating to Lady Boothroyd's career as well as her home life.

Other jewellery in the auction includes a pair of Oscar Heyman of New York diamond encrusted cuff earrings, estimated to sell for £4,000 to £6,000, an Omega De Ville 18ct gold ladies' wristwatch, with an estimate of £2,000 to £3,000, as well as a high carat gold and diamond House of Commons brooch which is expected to fetch £1,000 to £2,000.

Thomas Forrester, from Special Auction Services, said: "Baroness Boothroyd was an engaging, entertaining and human politician who was respected across the House.

"She cut a dash of colour through a sea of dark suits with her fabulous outfits. Many of these outfits will be sold in this auction.

"Madam Speaker, and latterly Her Ladyship, had a very full political working life - as can be seen in the many photos which are a true record of a remarkable life.

"It is heart-warming to know the proceeds of the auction will go to many worthwhile and deserving charities."

Also in the sale are expected to be a number of items of political memorabilia, including framed photos of her meeting Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela.

There is also a souvenir programme from the inauguration of John F Kennedy, signed by the President himself, which is estimated to go for up to £500.

Items from Baroness Boothroyd's career in the Commons will also go under the hammer, including her black leather dispatch box, monogrammed glass tumblers and a bottle of single malt scotch whisky labelled Madam Speaker.

Personal items include a Frances Segelman resin bust of Lady Boothroyd that carries an estimate of £300 to £500, as well as her collection of ceramic frogs, pens and books.

The auction is due to take place on 23 January.

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