History makers : Woman is top dog in British House of Lords

Sarah Clarke who has been appointed the first female Black Rod in the 650-year history of 

the position in the House of Lords (Picture: PA)

A woman has been appointed to the role of 

Black Rod in the House of Lords for the first time in history. Sarah Clarke is the first female 

to hold the title in its 650-year history and her appointment has been approved by the 

Queen. 

She will formally take over the position when its current holder David Leakey steps 

down at the end of this year, and will be known as the Lady Usher of the Black Rod. 

Currently responsible for the organisation of the annual Wimbledon tournament as 

championships director at the All-England Lawn Tennis Club, Miss Clarke has previously 

held roles at four 

Olympic Games, the London Marathon and UK Sport. 



Black Rod is the senior official 

responsible for maintaining order at the House of Lords, and is thrust into the spotlight each 

year at the State Opening of Parliament, when sent to bang on the door of the House of 

Commons to summon MPs to hear the Queen’s Speech. Black Rod is appointed by the 

monarch on the recommendation of a selection panel chaired by the Lord Speaker.

Her Majesty The Queen accompanied by the Prince of Wales presents the government’s 

Queen’s Speech during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords (Picture: 

PA) 

Male holders of the position are formally known as the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. 

As well as organising access to and maintaining order within the House of Lords, Black Rod 

acts as secretary to the Lord Great Chamberlain, with responsibility for major ceremonial 

events in the Palace of Westminster. Miss Clarke said she was ‘both deeply honoured and 

delighted’ to be offered the post. 



‘Over many years I have been fortunate to work at the 

heart of some of the world’s most complex events and institutions,” she said. ‘To be given 

the opportunity to join such an experienced and dedicated team is a great privilege. ‘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.’ 


The Speaker of the House of Lords, 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.


‘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.’ Lord Fowler added: ‘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.’