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Sarah Clarke becomes first female 'Black Rod' in UK parliament
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Newly appointed Lady Usher of the Black Rod, Sarah Clarke,is formally introduced in the House of Lords in London on February 20, 2018. Clarke is the first female Black Rod in the 650-year history of the role. Black Rod is formally responsible for maintaining the buildings, services, and security of the Palace of Westminster, as well as having duties in the House of Lords as Serjeant-at-Arms and Keeper of the Doors of the House and organising ceremonial events at Palace. She succeeds Lieutenant General David Leakey, who retired.
(AFP/Victoria Jones / Pool)
S
arah Clarke, the former director of the Wimbledon tennis championships, on Tuesday became the first woman to hold the post of "Black Rod" in the British Parliament.
Clarke was introduced in the House of Lords as "Lady Usher of the Black Rod", breaking its 650-year history of men only.
Tasked with banging on the House of Commons door to summon MPs to the Queen's Speech every year, Black Rod plays a key role in parliamentary events.
The name Black Rod derives from the ebony staff, topped with a golden lion, that the official uses to knock three times on the door.
Besides ceremonial duties, the British parliament website says the Black Rod is responsible for controlling access to and maintaining order within the upper Lords chamber.
Clarke, replacing David Leakey who retired, said she was "both deeply honored and delighted" when her appointment was announced last year.
"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," she said.
Clarke was presented with the ceremonial ebony staff last week by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
