Bobby Dean

I echo the tributes paid from across the House and express my gratitude on behalf of the Liberal Democrats to the Clerk of the House, Tom Goldsmith, as he retires from his role today. I would also like to congratulate his successor, Eve Samson, in her appointment as the new Clerk of the House. Eve will be the first woman to hold the role, and I am sure that she will continue Tom’s excellent work. Parliament is famous for its architecture, history and traditions, but all of us who spend time here know that it is the people who make Parliament’s status as a world-leading institution continue. From the Doorkeepers to the catering staff, cleaners and security, thousands of staff keep this place going and deal with us sometimes awkward MPs with impressive patience and positivity. The Clerk is the steady presence at the Table, who ensures that whatever the heat of the debate, our proceedings run with fairness, order and respect for precedent. Members from every part of the House have relied on Tom’s guidance, patience and deep knowledge of our procedures. Getting all the parties to agree is an achievement in itself, and the fact that today’s tribute motion is supported by parties from across the House is a testament to his ability. We thank him sincerely for his service to the House and wish him a long and happy retirement. Thirty years of duty to the House is an incredible achievement. That service goes all the way back to 1996, and given that the shadow Minister mentioned that he was eight at the time, I will say that I was six—I am not sure whether this will become a competition. From head of the Committee Office to co-author of “How Parliament Works”, Tom’s guidance has come in many forms and has been invaluable to us all across the House for several decades. He has navigated the House through periods of turbulent change. In his time as Clerk of the House, Tom has navigated three Prime Ministers from two different parties, as well as dealing with the largest intake of new MPs in parliamentary history, with such a huge proportion entering Parliament in 2024. I certainly had a lot to learn when I arrived in this House from Carshalton and Wallington for the first time, and I am very grateful for the support that Tom and all the wonderful House staff have provided and continue to provide. Tom has been a steady and impartial presence, keeping the business of the House running smoothly despite shifts in leadership and political direction. His calm authority and commitment to fairness have earned the respect of Members on all sides, and he has worked tirelessly to help newcomers learn the traditions and procedures of the Chamber. My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I are especially grateful for his guidance as we adjusted to becoming the largest third party in a century. We had always found him fair when we were the fourth party, but his support as we grew from 15 to 72 MPs was crucial, and his even-handedness, professionalism and advice have been hugely important to us throughout this period. I have always found Tom to be a diligent and calming presence, with a firm and fair hand, while guiding us through Commission meetings. Tom is ever dependable, and I think it is very telling of his character that all Members here, across the House, have found consensus today in our gratitude and praise towards him as Clerk. I and all the Liberal Democrats wish Tom the very best for the future.