The House of Lords authorities have agreed to recruit an experienced facilities Director to oversee all the more practical aspects of running the House. Up until now this task has been carried out by Black Rod otherwise known as Gentleman Usher, Secretary to the Lord Great Chamberlain and Serjeant at Arms. This post goes back to the 14thC and, yes, Black Rod does wear tights.

Over the years his job has expanded to include not only the increasingly difficult task of ensuring security (Parliament could be a key target for saboteurs of many kinds) but also being responsible for new building projects. For example, most recently a huge office block at Millbank has been bought and will have to undergo massive changes to become suitable offices for parliamentarians. It is a major undertaking and full of potential problems such as going beyond budget and completion dates. The new Director who should be in place within the year will have responsibility for this project and other services.

Meanwhile Black Rod will continue to have responsibility for security, order in the House (ranging from confronting the odd intruder to ensuring a measure of decorum in the House), ceremonial duties (Black Rod plays a prominent role at the State Opening of Parliament), public events and access to the House of Lords, and for the Queen’s remaining estate at Westminster Palace.

While there will always be those who mourn the loss of tradition, I think it is not in this case justified. The post of Black Rod remains, his traditional role continues. It is only the newer tasks accumulated in recent years that have been shifted. If the House of Lords is to be alive to efficiency and reform, surely bringing in professionals to deal with specialised property management is one way to start?