Serjeant at Arms to leave House of Commons Service

There will be a recruitment exercise to identify his successor, details of which will be announced in due course. Bob Twigger, currently Secretary to the House of Commons Commission and Clerk of Domestic Committees, who has been an Associate Serjeant since 2008, has agreed to act as Serjeant at Arms from 21 September until the arrival of Lawrence’s successor.

Lawrence Ward, Serjeant at Arms, said:

'Having worked in Parliament since 1997, I feel deeply honoured and proud of the time I have spent working alongside Members, and the passionate and dedicated staff in the service of the UK public. After three years as Serjeant at Arms, I will be leaving the House of Commons to take up an exciting role in the private sector. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to have had the opportunity to serve as Serjeant at Arms.

2015 marks the 600th anniversary of the role of the Serjeant at Arms, and balancing the needs of the public to access their Parliament with ensuring the safety and security of those inside Parliament continues to be our top priority. Having played an active role in helping to transform these arrangements to meet the changing needs of a modern Parliament, I am confident in the future provisions and look forward to working with colleagues to implement these changes until I take up my new post in September. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has helped me on my journey to this historic role and to wish all my friends and colleagues the very best for the future.”

Rt Hon. John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, said:

“I am certain all Members will join with me in wishing Lawrence Ward the best in his future role. He has been a champion for Members throughout his time in the House, and he can leave here knowing that his years of service have led to a marked improvement in services for Members and a firm foundation for the security of the House. He has been a superb colleague.”

David Natzler, the Clerk of the House and Head of the House Service, said:

 ‘The House Service will be very sorry to lose Lawrence, who has served the House with real distinction in various capacities since 1997. His three years as Serjeant at Arms have been marked by significant improvements in security and access arrangements, and by a step-change in the diversity profile of Doorkeepers. Lawrence has also presided over the project to build the new Education Centre to be opened in July. He has been a passionate advocate for services for Members and for the public. We all wish him well in his next job.’