Retirement of the Clerk of the House

Nick Smith Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney) (Lab)]

Mr Speaker, I would like to add some words of thanks to the retiring Clerk of the House. I find Thomas Goldsmith to be a very sage official sitting at the heart of our organisation. It is my privilege to be a House of Commons Commissioner and Chair of the Administration Committee. I have seen Tom show good judgment, provide wise words, land on the nub of a problem and always suggest a constructive way forward, and he does all of that with good grace.

Tom Goldsmith is a polymath. Like others, I have heard his excellent piano playing. I know that he enjoys books, and we have often talked about our latest good reads. In a sometimes rarefied atmosphere, he is also a modest man from an ordinary background. It has been a pleasure working with him. Good wishes for the future, Tom.

[Mr Speaker]

I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.