House of Commons Commission bulletin – 16 October 2014

The House of Commons Commission met on 16 October to discuss whether further interim arrangements should be made during the period for which the recruitment for a new Clerk/Chief Executive is paused.

The Commission noted the establishment of the Select Committee on House of Commons Governance, and agreed that it should do nothing that pre-judged the outcome of that Committee’s work.  Having been advised on options, the Commission agreed the following further interim arrangements:

• The appointment with immediate effect of the Clerk Assistant, David Natzler, as Acting Clerk of the House. 
• Dame Janet Gaymer, an external member of the Management Board, to be asked to continue to act as its interim Chair.
• The appointment of an Acting Clerk Assistant to also be acting head of the Department of Chamber and Committee Services.

Both appointments will be for an initial period of up to six months, with the possibility of extension, subject to the implementation of any decisions resulting from the work of the Select Committee on House of Commons Governance.

It has subsequently been agreed that Jacqy Sharpe, currently Clerk of Legislation will be Acting Clerk Assistant and that Liam Laurence Smyth, currently Clerk of the Journals, will, for the time being, take on Ms Sharpe’s responsibilities.

Observations on matters in the bulletin or other aspects of the House’s administration should be sent to twiggerrj@parliament.uk for the attention of the Commission.

Commission membership: Mr Speaker (Chair), Sir Paul Beresford, Frank Doran, Angela Eagle, William Hague (Leader of the House) and John Thurso.