Game over for unruly peers as Black Rod dons skirt
Wimbledon organiser unveiled as the first female holder of House of Lords role in its 650-year history
FROM John Mcenroe to Nick Kyrgios, Sarah Clarke has coped ably with the worst that tennis’s superstar brats have thrown at her.
After that, her new job – as the first ever female Black Rod – ostensibly in charge of keeping ancient and not so doddery peers happy – should be a walkover. Ms Clarke, 52, was unveiled yesterday as Lady Usher of the Black Rod, the first time a woman has been chosen in the role’s 650-year history, after her appointment was approved by the Queen.
It is reckoned there have been 60 holders of the position of Black Rod since 1361.
Ms Clarke rose through the ranks at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, starting as a ball girl supervisor to become the tournament’s main organiser. She is famous for her attention to detail, which includes everything from ensuring the petunias are the right colour to making sure a squeaky umpire’s chair is fixed. As well, of course, as playing her part in keeping some of the more tempestuous players happy.
“Tennis players shouldn’t be any more needy than peers,” said one House of Lords insider, “But without the grass courts to worry about.”
In Westminster, Ms Clarke’s highest profile duty will be to bang on the door of the House of Commons to summon MPS to hear the Queen’s Speech at the state opening of Parliament.
In doing so she will swap her preferred leather jacket – she rides a motorbike
‘I am both deeply honoured and delighted to be invited. I am truly looking forward to starting work’
– for a ceremonial outfit.
Black Rod’s traditional dress, including breeches, will also get a makeover and Ms Clarke is expected to swap the knee-length trousers for a skirt.
The next state opening is not due until 2019, meaning Mrs Clarke’s moment in the limelight should be some time off. Meanwhile she will work behind the scenes on Black Rod’s chief responsibility, maintaining order in the House of Lords.
“I am both deeply honoured and delighted to be invited to take up the role of Black Rod,” said Ms Clarke. “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.”
She takes over from the current Black Rod David Leakey, former Lieutenant General, at the end of the year.
Lord Fowler, the Speaker of the House of Lords, 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..”
Ms Clarke began working at Wimbledon in 1984 during her university summer holidays, the year Mcenroe won his third and final men’s singles title. In the early days she supervised ball girls, moving to the press office before becoming championships director in 2013. Ms Clarke has also held roles at four Olympic Games, the London Marathon and UK Sport.
Of the role she played at Wimbledon, she once said: “We live for details. We love details.”