In honour of the State Opening of Parliament today (July 17), King Charles will deliver his second King's Speech. This marks the start of a new legislative year and an opportunity for the government to outline its agenda for the upcoming months.
It also gives a day in the sun for the Usher of the Black Rod, a role which has been an integral part of the House of Lords for generations and continues to go on.
This is all you need to know about the Black Rod and its usher.
Who and what is the Black Rod?
According to Parliament’s own website, the Usher of the Black Rod is a senior officer in the House of Lords, responsible for controlling access to and maintaining order within the House and its precincts. The carrier does possess a literal black rod which has a purpose on the day of the King’s Speech.
Sarah Clarke took this role officially in February 2018 and has the official title of Lady Usher of the Black Rod. She had previously been involved in sports administration.
Ms Clarke is the first female holder of the Black Rod in 650 years of history and heads a team of 30 people. The rod itself dates back to 1883 and has the French engraving “shame be to him, who evil thinks".
The Usher of the Black Rod reports to Clerk of the Parliaments - the figure who is in overall charge of the administration of the House, which provides all other services for Members of the Lords.
At an administrative level, the holder of the role of the Black Rod is responsible for organising access to and maintaining order within the Lords Chamber and the precincts.
They are also responsible for ceremonies and events within the Houses of Parliament, including the King’s Speech.
What does the Black Rod symbolise? What is the role in the King’s Speech?
At the reading of the King’s Speech, the role of the Usher of the Black Rod is more ceremonial and honouring of British traditions.
The Black Rod is sent from the Lords Chamber to the Commons Chamber to summon MPs to hear the speech. There is a historic division between the two houses, with the King not allowed in the Commons due to his birthright.
By tradition, the door to the Commons will be open as the Black Rod approaches and then slammed in her face. This is to symbolise the Commons’ independence from the monarchy.
“He or she then bangs three times on the door with the rod,” Parliament’s website explains.
“The door to the Commons Chamber is then opened and all MPs – talking loudly – follow Black Rod back to the Lords to hear the King's Speech.”
The custom dates back to 1641.
How much does the Black Rod get paid?
The Usher of the Black Rod is paid £93,000 a year, a role smaller than that of the prime minister (£167,391) but an average MP gets £86,584.
