Speaker’s Statement

In March, I announced to the House that Tom Goldsmith, current Clerk of the House and head of the House of Commons service, had given notice that he will be leaving Parliament in the autumn. I am pleased to announce that, following a competitive recruitment process, Eve Samson, current Clerk of the Journals, has been appointed as the 53rd Clerk of the House of Commons, following the approval of His Majesty the King. I am sure that Members will join me in congratulating Eve, who has many outstanding qualities to bring to this important role. Having worked in the House with great dedication for almost 40 years, she brings a wealth of experience and insight and will be a distinguished successor to Tom Goldsmith.

Arrangements will be made for a comprehensive handover period before Eve formally takes up the role in November. Until then, Tom will continue to carry out his duties as Clerk of the House. There is always a lot of work to do, and we will make sure that Tom works hard. [Laughter.] There will also be an opportunity before then for colleagues to recognise more formally Tom’s contribution to the House and to wish him the very best in the future.