Speaker thanks right-hand man for 52 years of public service

MPs broke into a round of applause after Sir Lindsay Hoyle credited his Assistant Secretary Ian Davis, a former Scots Guardsman, for helping him make the transition from Deputy Speaker to the top job and for "having a great history in serving this country."

"It’s not an easy job to become Speaker, but the one thing that was easy for me, was knowing that Ian Davis was there to advise me and the Speaker’s Secretary on the roles that we have," he said.

"Ian’s military discipline, his can-do attitude, his friendship, sense of humour and expertise will be sorely missed by my team, and particularly by me.

"He is a brilliant example of why we need more former military personnel serving in this House."

The Speaker’s tributes were echoed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Sir Keir Starmer – leader of the Opposition – and Ian Blackford, the SNP’s leader in Westminster.

Mr Davis, 67, joined the House Service in October 1993, when John Major was Prime Minister, having served in the Army across the world for 24 years – which included working with 33 Field Hospital in northern Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War in 1991.

As Band Sergeant Major in the Scots Guards, Mr Davis – a gifted musician who plays the French horn and violin – performed on 20 occasions at the Trooping of the Colour, which marks the official birthday of the Sovereign.

He became a senior doorkeeper to the House of Commons in 1993, before joining Speaker Michael Martin’s team in 2001 as the ceremonial Trainbearer. He was later promoted to Assistant Secretary to the Speaker in 2011, which is the role he has held until now.

Mr Davis said he has "loved every minute of working in such a high-profile environment" and "it's been fantastic getting to know the characters of politicians who pop up on people’s TV screens."

He also enjoyed meeting the many celebrities who have visited the Palace of Westminster, including Sean Connery and Roger Moore, who both played James Bond, he said.

"I can remember the look of surprise from staff when Sean Connery popped his head around the door of the Members’ Library – they never expected to see such a famous actor in there," he said.

"Angela Lansbury, who starred in Murder She Wrote, was lovely, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Linda Gray – famed for her role as Sue-Ellen in the 1980s soap Dallas – when she came on a tour of Parliament 10 years ago."

But after 52 years of public service, being involved in every State Opening of Parliament since 1972 and an MBE for services to Parliament, Ian says he is looking forward to taking a break from commuting from his home on the Isle of Wight, where he lives with Linda, his wife of 44 years.

As well as visiting their daughter Natalie and two grandchildren in California and improving his golf handicap, he said he is eager to take up voluntary work for a charity that helps former military personnel.

Image credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor