Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd announced on Thursday that she had "better legs than most MPs."

"I was in the front row when God gave out legs," she told Spectator magazine.

With a total of 119 women MPs, compared to 60 in the last Parliament, the 68-year-old was less than complimentary about her fellow female Commons dwellers.

Hague: keeping his legs out of sight

"I try not to notice MPs' legs. Most are not very pretty. Thankfully you can't see the men's through their trousers."

A former member of the Tiller Girls dancing troupe, Miss Boothroyd said that dancing prepared her well for the task of keeping the unruly mob that is the House of Commons in order.

"I think I brought to politics, as a result [of dancing], an aptitude for team work. Also stamina. I nap for 15 minutes after lunch, but otherwise I get through very well."

Born in Yorkshire, the daughter of a textile worker, she worked as a dancer in the West End before taking up the position of secretary to various politicians. She finally became an MP in 1973.

Miss Boothroyd has been immensely popular as Speaker since her appointment in 1992. A legendary party-thrower, she has never married - claiming to be wed to the House of Commons.
 

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