Sir David Natzler to retire as Clerk of the House of Commons
14 November 2018
Today, Sir David Natzler KCB, the Clerk of the House of Commons and Head of the House of Commons Service, has informed the House that, as he had long planned, he will be retiring on 1 March 2019 – St David's Day – having served for over 4 years as Acting Clerk and then Clerk of the House, and for a total of over 43 years in the service of the House.
In a statement, the Speaker of the House, the Rt Hon John Bercow, said:
"Today, Sir David Natzler KCB, the Clerk of the House of Commons, has announced his long-planned retirement after 43 years of tireless and outstanding service.
"Sir David held a number of senior appointments within the House of Commons' Chamber and Committee Services before being appointed Clerk of the House in 2015 - acting as principal constitutional adviser to the House of Commons.
"Sir David has vast experience and expertise and has served this House without interruption since 1975 - and his support and advice for me, for my deputies, for Members, and the government, on Parliamentary procedure and business, has been unswerving. I have known this day was coming for over a year - so it is with some sadness I announced its arrival today. For me personally, Sir David has been a loyal colleague and friend - and I know his calm and good-humoured presence will be sorely missed by us all.
"Sir David will continue in post until 1 March 2019. In the meantime, the House of Commons Commission has agreed the details of the recruitment for his successor and that process will begin immediately through fair and open competition. We hope to be able to announce his replacement in January.”
Click here to see a full copy of the Clerk's letter announcing his intention to retire.