Tributes from city leaders as Wolverhampton-born Black Rod retires

The former pupil of Wolverhampton Girls High School will step down from her post in the summer. 

The city's civic leaders have written a letter of congratulations to Miss Clarke, reflecting on what will be a momentous seven-and-a-half years in the important honorary post in the House of Commons.

Miss Clarke was appointed to serve as The Lady Usher of the Black Rod in November 2017 by HM Queen Elizabeth II.

During her three terms of office, she and her team have served at many major ceremonial events in the Palace of Westminster.

In September 2022, she had overall responsibility for organising the Lying-in-State in Westminster of the late queen, and also took part in the state funeral. The following year, she had a role in the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Miss Clarke has organised and taken part in a total of six State Openings of Parliament, a number of which marked a significant departure from the traditional ceremony, including the special arrangements at the opening in 2021 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and the 2022 event, when the then Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge stood in for the late queen.

Before taking up the role, she had previously served as  who Championships Director at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

Miss Clarke, 59, grew up in Wolverhampton before studying  sports science and business studies at  Roehampton Institute of Higher Education in London, and later receiving a masters degree in risk crisis and disaster management at Leicester University.

In a letter of congratulating her on her service, Wolverhampton Council leader Councillor Stephen Simkins and leader of the opposition Councillor Simon Bennett praised her 'remarkable tenure', and extended their best wishes for her retirement.

"Your distinguished career will be an inspiration to many, not least to the people of Wolverhampton," they wrote.

"Your achievements, from your pioneering role as the first female Black Rod to your extensive contributions to public service, exemplify the dedication and excellence that Wolverhampton seeks to instil in its people. 

"You have brought pride to our city. Your leadership and commitment to upholding the traditions of Parliament while steering its evolution have left an indelible mark."

They said she had broken barriers, set new standards, and ensured that the historic role of Black Rod remained relevant and respected in the modern era.

"We thank you for your service and wish you every happiness in the next chapter of your life. Wolverhampton will always be proud to count you among its most distinguished representatives,and as one of our own."

As well as serving two monarchs, working with five prime ministers and being in post for two general elections, she also presided over four formal addresses by visiting heads of state, including the historic joint address to both houses by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine in Westminster Hall in February 2023. 

Reflecting on her time in the role, Miss Clarke said: "'It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life to serve as Black Rod during what has been a most extraordinary period. I am hugely grateful to the many exceptional people I have worked alongside during my term of office, whose support in enabling me to carry out my duties has been invaluable."

Lord McFall of Alcluith, the Lord Speaker, also paid tribute to Miss Clarke for her dedication and tireless service to Parliament.

"Her achievements have been immense and her calmness, professionalism and meticulous attention to detail have helped overcome even the most testing challenges. I wish her well in her future endeavours."