Royal Marines Veteran and Former Gibraltar Governor Announced as New Black Rod – Guido Fawkes

“His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of Ed Davis CB CBE as the new Black Rod.

He will formally take up the role in July, succeeding Sarah Clarke CVO OBE when she steps down in the summer.Ed Davis is currently the Strategic Director for Capewell Europe Limited and Gibraltar Chair of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.He served for 35 years in the Naval Service as a Royal Marines Officer.

Retiring from the UK Armed Forces in the rank of Lieutenant General, he transferred to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and was appointed by Her Majesty The Queen as the 67th Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar in January 2016. He completed his tenure as Gibraltar’s Governor in February 2020. The Gentleman or Lady Usher of the Black Rod, formally appointed by the Crown, is a senior officer in the House of Lords.

Like his predecessors, Ed will be responsible for and participate in the major ceremonial events in the Palace of Westminster, including most famously the State Opening of Parliament. He will be in charge of controlling access to and maintaining order within the House and its precincts as well as being responsible for the King’s residual estate in the Palace (including the Robing Room and the Royal Gallery).

Commenting on his appointment, Ed Davis 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.”