London: Black Rod, a post held by 60 men since it was created in 1361 in the House of Lords, for the first time ever, will have a lady appointed for the post.
UK’s Queen Elizabeth II has approved the appointment of Sarah Clarke as the new Black Rod in the House of Lords.
The lady will be succeeding current Black Rod David Leakey when she will take her duties early next year after the current Black Rod ends his term this year. She will be known as Lady Usher of the Black Rod said an official statement.
Black Rod position is for the State Opening of Parliament, knocking on the door of the House of Commons to summon MPs for the Queen’s Speech, reports the BBC.
The MPs slam the door in the face of Black Rod, a tradition practiced since ages, ritual which is captured on the live coverage of the opening ceremony.
The Black Rod also manages a team of 30 staff involved in the day-to-day running of the House of Lords with an yearly income of 93,000 pounds.
According to the sources, Clarke is currently responsible for the organisation of the annual Wimbledon tennis championships. She had previously held roles at four Olympic Games, the London Marathon and UK Sport.
Black Rod is appointed by the Monarch on the recommendation of a selection panel chaired by the Lord Speaker.
Clarke said: “I am both deeply honoured and delighted to be invited to take up the role of Black Rod.
“Over many years I have been fortunate to work at the heart of some of the world’s most complex events and institutions. The House of Lords is a place where the smallest detail is as important as the big picture and the depth of heritage and tradition is second to none.”
Lord Fowler, speaker of the House of Lords said: “As the first woman to take on the role, this is a historic moment for the House.”
London: First lady to be appointed as Black Rod in House of Lords
