Nick Smith

Nick Smith

Labour — Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney

Speaking in the House of Commons on 22 October 2026

Debate

Retirement of the Clerk of the House

Contribution

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.

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