Mr Speaker
I wish to read to the House a letter I have received from the Clerk of the House, Tom Goldsmith:
“Dear Mr Speaker,
I told you last year of my intention to leave the House service this Autumn. Being able to support the House as its Clerk is a huge privilege and a unique opportunity, for which I am very grateful. By October, I will have served in the House for 30 years, for the last three of them as Clerk, and I have decided that it is time to take on new and different challenges.
Working here is never boring—not least because of the passion and dedication that Members bring to their roles. I will leave with respect and fondness for Members from all parts of the House.
I also want to say how proud I am of everyone in the administration for the work they do to support the House and Members. It is an honour to be their colleague.
Finally, Mr Speaker, I want to thank you for all the support and friendship you have shown me. I will of course continue to do my best for the House until my departure at the end of October.
Yours ever,
Tom”.
I want to thank Tom for his contribution to the House. I know that right hon. and hon. Members will want to join me in wishing him all the very best for the future. There will be an opportunity for Members to put on the record their thanks to him at a later date. A recruitment process will start soon, with the intention that the successor will be identified before the House rises for the summer recess.
Speaking personally, I will miss you, Tom—although you won’t be that far away when that piano needs to be played. You are the best jazz pianist I know who has cost us nothing! We look forward to the first recording of a jazz CD from you.