Sarah Clarke (Black Rod)

Sarah Clarke
Lady Usher of the Black Rod
Assumed office
13 February 2018
Monarch Elizabeth II
Preceded by David Leakey
Personal details
Nationality British
Alma mater University of Leicester

Sarah Clarke is a British administrator, 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").[1][2] Before taking this role, she was in charge of the administration of The Championships, Wimbledon.

Clarke succeeded Lieutenant General David Leakey, who retired as Black Rod.[1] Speaking to The Guardian, Clarke said, "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. 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."[3]

Clarke heads up a department that manages the day-to-day business of the House of Lords, and is "also responsible for business resilience and continuity planning", and will have about 30 staff, including the Yeoman Usher and the House of Lords Doorkeepers.[1][4] She will be paid up to £93,000 a year.[1]

Clarke was employed by The Championships, Wimbledon as Championships director, and first worked at Wimbledon as a school-leaver in 1986.[5] Interviewed by The Daily Telegraph in 2017, she commented on their quest for perfection, "We live for details. We love details".[5]

Prior to working for Wimbledon, Clarke worked on four Olympic Games, including the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the London Marathon, and UK Sport.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "First female Black Rod in 650 years". BBC News. BBC. 17 November 2017. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  2. 1 2 "Sarah Clarke appointed to the role of Black Rod". www.wimbledon.com. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  3. ↑ Walker, Peter (17 November 2017). "Sarah Clarke becomes first female Black Rod after 669 years". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  4. ↑ "Sarah Clarke appointed to the role of Black Rod – News from Parliament". UK Parliament. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  5. 1 2 Fletcher, Martin (3 July 2017). "Inside Wimbledon: What really goes on behind the scenes". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 5 July 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
Government offices
Preceded by
David Leakey		 Black Rod
2018–present		 Incumbent
Officers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords
House of Commons House of Lords
Speaker John Bercow Lord Speaker Norman Lord Fowler
Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom Leader of the House of Lords Natalie Baroness Evans of Bowes Park
Serjeant at Arms Kamal El-Hajji Lady Usher of the Black Rod Sarah Clarke
Clerk of the House Sir David Natzler Clerk of the Parliaments Edward Ollard

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