Member

Finally, I come to Andrew Makower, who joined the House in 1984 and who is now leaving us after 42 years of exceptional service. Over his career, he has served as the clerk to the Science and Technology Committee, private secretary to the Leader of the House and Government Chief Whip, Clerk of the Journals, Principal Clerk of Select Committees, finance director and Clerk of Legislation. In his role as Clerk of Legislation in particular, he oversaw the handling of an unprecedented number of amendments during the UK’s exit from the European Union, at a time when procedural matters could be said to be challenging. His dedication and professionalism certainly shone through those difficult years. We have him to thank for Members’ explanatory statements accompanying amendments as well as several other innovations we can now not imagine working without. He is known for going over and above the call of duty and, outside the House, supporting children in his local church and volunteering to help the homeless and as a school governor. Moreover, I understand that he and his family were hosts under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. For this and for all he has done for this House, I thank him. I know that we will all wait in anticipation for what he does next.