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Sarah Clarke appointed to the role of Black Rod 17 November 2017 Sarah Clarke has today been appointed as the new Black Rod. Sarah Clarke. The Queen hands over the ceremonial ebony staff to Sarah Clarke as she takes on the historic role. "She said the House of Lords was "a place where the smallest detail is as important as the big picture and the depth of heritage and tradition is second to none".At least one of the deadly infernos in the western US state is being treated as possible arson. Since 13 February 2018, she has served as Black Rod, the first female Black Rod in the 650-year history of the role.The role is formally "The Lady Usher of the Black Rod" (for previous incumbents "Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod"). Clarke was introduced in the House of Lords as "Lady Usher of the Black Rod", breaking its 650-year history of men only. The role is formally "The Lady Usher of the Black Rod" (for previous incumbents "Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod").
Sarah Clarke OBE (born 12 October 1965) is a British administrator.
Black Rod is best known for summoning MPs to hear the Queen's Speech I am truly looking forward to starting work. Sarah Clarke, who is … Today at Buckingham Palace, The Queen received Miss Sarah Clarke on her appointment as Lady Usher of the Black Rod. One of the longest sessions in the history of the British Parliament ended early Tuesday morning in extraordinary scenes, with protests from placard-waving lawmakers and attempts to … Sarah Clarke, who previously ran the Wimbledon tennis championships, follows in a 650-year line of men in the role.
Black Rod summons MPs to the Lords to hear the Queen's Speech but has the door to the House of Commons slammed in their face, and has to knock three times to gain entry.They are the monarch's representative in the House of Lords and the routine is symbolic of the House of Commons' independence from the Crown.The UK Parliament website says Black Rod is also "responsible for organising access to and maintaining order within the Lords chamber and its precincts".The UK rejects the EU's demand to scrap plans to alter the withdrawal treaty, but talks will continue. John Bercow with the Lady Usher of the Black Rod, Sarah Clarke, standing with members of parliament in the House of Lords during the ceremony to prorogue parliament. Black Rod is best known for summoning MPs to hear the Queen's Speech
David Leakey has retired from the role
Lady Usher of the Black Rod Sarah Clarke is the first woman to hold the post Sarah 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.
Prior to working for Wimbledon, Clarke's first job was working as a tennis tournament organiser for Brian Hewitt Associates in Durham after which she worked on four Olympic Games, including the "Over many years I have been fortunate to work at the heart of some of the world's most complex events and institutions.
These are external links and will open in a new windowAs the world tuned in to watch the final sitting day of Parliament for five weeks, one individual caught the eye for social media users.Viewers - particularly those from outside the UK - seemed bemused by the role of Black Rod, a woman dressed in black, with a gold chain and ceremonial black and gold staff.Black Rod is best known for the State Opening of Parliament, knocking on the door of the House of Commons to summon MPs for the Queen's Speech.When Black Rod summons MPs to the House of Lords to hear the Queen's Speech, she (or he) has the door to the Commons slammed in her face, and has to knock three times to gain entry.Black Rod is the Monarch's representative in the Lords and the routine is symbolic of the Commons' independence from the Crown.As well as organising ceremonial events, Black Rod, who can earn up to £93,000 a year, manages a team of 30 staff involved in the day-to-day running of the House of Lords.#BlackRod began trending on some social media sites this week following her role in the prorogation of Parliament.The prorogation ceremony began when Lady Usher of the Black Rod arrived in the Commons late on Monday to lead Speaker of the House John Bercow to the Lords.But the ritual was interrupted by some MPs shouting "no" when she asked them to make the trip.A group of opposition MPs then made their way to the Speaker's chair to protest against the prorogation.The earliest known reference to the role of Black Rod as the Usher to the Order of the Garter is in letters patent - a written order from a monarch granting an office, right or title to an individual - from 1361.There are thought to have been 60 holders of the position since then.The title "Black Rod" comes from the staff carried by the holder - it is made of ebony and is topped with a golden lion.The position of Black Rod also exists in Commonwealth countries Canada, Australia and New Zealand.Sarah Clarke was appointed Lady Usher of the Black Rod in November 2017, formally taking up the role in February 2018.She replaced Lt Gen David Leakey and, in doing so, became the first female holder of the position in its 650-year history.Ms Clarke was previously in charge of organising the Wimbledon tennis championships.Prior to that, Ms Clarke worked for the London Marathon, UK sport, and on four Olympic Games - including London 2012.Accepting the role of Black Rod in 2017, she said: "I am both deeply honoured and delighted to be invited to take up the role of Black Rod.
Added 21st February 2018 10:21 AM
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Sarah 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. Black Rod (officially known as the Lady Usher of the Black Rod or, if male, the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod) is an official in the parliaments of several Commonwealth countries.