From Helmand to the House of Lords: Former Royal Marines boss named new Black Rod
Senior ex-Royal Marines officer Ed Davis has been named the new Black Rod and will formally take up his duties later this month.
Lieutenant General Davis, who was Commandant General Royal Marines from 2011 to 2014, succeeds Sarah Clarke.
Ms Clarke, who is the first female Black Rod, is stepping down after seven years.
Lt Gen Davis served in the Royal Marines for 35 years, and after he retired from the Armed Forces, he transferred to the Foreign Office.
He was appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar in January 2016, completing his tenure in February 2020.
The Gentleman or Lady Usher of the Black Rod is formally appointed by the Crown, with Lt Gen Davis receiving the King's approval.
Black Rod is responsible for organising and taking part in the major ceremonial events in the Palace of Westminster, including the State Opening of Parliament.
Lt Gen Davis will also be responsible for organising access to and maintaining order within the House.
He said: "I am profoundly humbled and extremely delighted to have been appointed by His Majesty to be the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod for the House of Lords, a role that stretches back 670 years.
"I take on this great honour with a deep sense of responsibility to serve the King and the House of Lords with a steadfast commitment and unwavering determination to uphold the excellence of my predecessors who have held this unique and remarkable position.
"Together with Black Rod's team, I look forward, with relish and excitement, to rising to the opportunities and challenges ahead by building on Sarah Clarke's inspiring legacy."
Lt Gen Davis's career in the Royal Marines has taken him to the Falklands and twice to Afghanistan, latterly commanding Task Force Helmand.
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