Xinhua, London :
British Queen Elizabeth II approved Friday the appointment of Sarah Clarke as the new Black Rod in the House of Lords, a job held by 60 men since it was created in 1361.
Clarke will formally take on the duties early next year, succeeding David Leakey, the current Black Rod who leaves the post at the end of this year.
Black Rod is the only job in the world where the holder gets paid for having a door slammed in their face.
As the Black Rod, one of Clarke’s duties will be to summon MPs from the House of Commons to the House of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament by the Queen. By tradition, as a way to protect its independence, the MPs slam the door in the face of the Black Rod. The ceremonial ritual is captured on the live coverage of the opening ceremony.
Clarke is currently responsible for the organization of the annual Wimbledon tennis championships. She had previously held roles at four Olympic Games, the London Marathon and UK Sport.
As the first woman to be appointed to the role of Black Rod in its 650- year history, Clarke will be known as the Lady Usher of the Black Rod. Black Rod is appointed by the Monarch on the recommendation of a selection panel chaired by the Lord Speaker.
British Queen Elizabeth II approved Friday the appointment of Sarah Clarke as the new Black Rod in the House of Lords, a job held by 60 men since it was created in 1361.
Clarke will formally take on the duties early next year, succeeding David Leakey, the current Black Rod who leaves the post at the end of this year.
Black Rod is the only job in the world where the holder gets paid for having a door slammed in their face.
As the Black Rod, one of Clarke’s duties will be to summon MPs from the House of Commons to the House of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament by the Queen. By tradition, as a way to protect its independence, the MPs slam the door in the face of the Black Rod. The ceremonial ritual is captured on the live coverage of the opening ceremony.
Clarke is currently responsible for the organization of the annual Wimbledon tennis championships. She had previously held roles at four Olympic Games, the London Marathon and UK Sport.
As the first woman to be appointed to the role of Black Rod in its 650- year history, Clarke will be known as the Lady Usher of the Black Rod. Black Rod is appointed by the Monarch on the recommendation of a selection panel chaired by the Lord Speaker.
