A woman has been appointed as Black Rod in the House of Lords for the first time in the 650-year history of the role.
Sarah Clarke, who is currently director of the Wimbledon tennis championships, will begin in the ceremonial post in the New Year.
She will be known as the Lady Usher of the Black Rod – and her duties will include summoning MPs for the Queen’s speech and ‘keeping order’ in the chamber.
The appointment will be seen as another small step in the process of modernising parliament.
Sarah Clarke, who is currrently director of the Wimbledon tennis chamionships, will begin in the ceremonial House of Lords post in the New Year
Ms Clarke is replacing David Leakey (right) in the ancient role, and will be known as the Lady Usher of the Black Rod
Ms 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.
‘To be given the opportunity to join such an experienced and dedicated team is a great privilege.
CEREMONIAL POST AT LORDS THAT DATES BACK 650 YEARS
The post of Black Rod dates back 650 years
Black Rod is one of the most senior officials in the House of Lords.
The post dates back around 650 years – but a woman has never held it before.
Their most prominent duty is summoning MPs to hear the Queen’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament.
The ritual sees the door to the Commons chamber slammed in the face of Black Rod, forcing the official to knock.
It is a throwback to when the Commons established its supremacy over the Crown centuries ago.
The post-holder heads a department that includes the Yeoman Usher and the House of Lords Doorkeepers.
Black Rod also leads on ‘business resilience and continuity planning’ for the House of Lords.
Previous holders have been known as the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod – but Ms Clarke will be the Lady Usher of the Black Rod.
‘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. I am truly looking forward to starting work.’
Ms Clarke is currently the Championships Director at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, where she is responsible for the day-to-day running of Wimbledon.
She has previously held roles at four Olympic Games, the London Marathon and UK Sport.
She assisted as a volunteer with at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert in 2012, and the monarch’s 90th Birthday Celebrations at Windsor last year.
Ms Clarke was educated at Wolverhampton Girls High School and the University of Leicester.
Lord Fowler, the Lord Speaker, said it was an ‘historic moment for the House’.
Black Rod is one of the most senior officials in the House of Lords.
The post dates back around 650 years – but a woman has never held it before.
Their most prominent duty is summoning MPs to hear the Queen’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament.
The ritual sees the door to the Commons chamber slammed in the face of Black Rod, forcing the official to knock.
It is a throwback to when the Commons established its supremacy over the Crown centuries ago.
The post-holder heads a department that includes the Yeoman Usher and the House of Lords Doorkeepers.
Lord Fowler said: ‘I am very pleased to welcome Sarah Clarke to the role of Black Rod. As the first woman to take on the role, this is a historic moment for the House.
‘People are most familiar with Black Rod for the part they play at State Opening, but the job is much more than that.
‘Some of the most important work happens behind the scenes in organising addresses to Parliament by visiting heads of state and other state events, as well as ensuring we have appropriate plans in place to keep the important work of the Lords going in a crisis.
‘Sarah’s fantastic record at Wimbledon and elsewhere shows she is the right person for the task.
‘The Lords has a great record of women taking on senior political roles. Five of the last seven Leaders of the Lords and the current Leader of the Opposition have been women as well as both my predecessors as Lord Speaker.
‘I am sure Sarah will continue that tradition and do an exemplary job as Black Rod.’
Black Rod is appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of a selection panel chaired by the Lord Speaker.
Among the duties of Black Rod are summoning MPs for the Queen’s speech and ‘keeping order’ in the Lords chamber
Ms Clarke was previously in charge of organising the Wimbledon tennis championships