Blesma’s National Chairman Ed Davis CB CBE has been honoured with the prestigious appointment as Black Rod; a senior officer in the House of Lords with significant operational, ceremonial and administrative duties.
He will take up the position – which has the official title of Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod and was officially approved by King Charles – in July and remains committed to leading Blesma’s Board of Trustees and representing the Association.
“It is a great honour with a deep sense of responsibility to serve the King and the House of Lords, and I’m humbled to have been appointed,” says the former Commandant General Royal Marines who served for 35 years before becoming Governor of Gibraltar.
He will be responsible for access to, and conduct in, the House of Lords, working closely with the Parliamentary Director of Security as well as the management of the Crown’s residual estate in the Palace of Westminster, such as the Sovereign’s Robing Room. Ed has resigned from work with a private defence company and has stepped back from other commitments to give time to his Blesma and Black Rod roles.
“Being Blesma Chairman is everything I hoped it would be, and I am really enjoying getting to know the Members and working with our Chief Executive and her team, who are doing great work,” added Ed, who took over from General Sir Adrian Bradshaw last summer.
“The strategy we put in place for the Association last year to face challenges and seize the opportunities over the next five years is working well. I will be in Parliament when the House of Lords is sitting, however I would like to stress that this will not affect my ability or capacity to fulfill the role of Blesma Chairman.”
The majority of Black Rod’s work is behind the scenes, ensuring the day-to-day smooth running of the House of Lords, balancing public access with the security and corporate resilience requirements of Parliament.
Ed will be in the full glare of the global spotlight at the next State Opening of Parliament when, in full Parliamentary regalia, he will perform the ceremony of summoning MPs to the House of Lords after banging on the House of Commons’ door three times to enter the House of Commons Chamber.
