First female Clerk of the House of Commons is former South London Liberal Shul chair

The former chair of South London Liberal Synagogue has become the first woman to be appointed to a key Parliamentary role in its 663 year history.

Eve Samson, who has worked at the House of Commons for 4 decades, has been named the 53rd Clerk of the House of Commons, following approval from the King. During her time as a member of Commons staff, she has served as Clerk of a number of different Parliamentary committees; most recently she has been Clerk of the Journals, serving as the principal adviser to the Clerk of the House and the Speaker on matters of privilege and procedure.

Samson served as chair of South London Liberal Synagogue (SLLS), based in Streatham, from 2022 until earlier this month, at which point she also stepped down as a trustee.

The Clerk of the House of Commons is the Chief Executive of the House and acts as its principal constitutional adviser, on issues of parliamentary procedure and business. The role has existed since 1363, with its most famous holder being Erskine May, whose work on Parliamentary practice has become the ultimate guide to parliamentary procedure and constitutional convention. The position is a politically impartial one and its holder is not a civil servant.

Baroness Merron, a former Vice President of Liberal Judaism and a member of SLLS, said:” A hearty mazel tov to Eve who is taking on such a significant role in Parliament and for our country. So proud of her!”

The Baroness, who also previously served as MP for Lincoln and then as Chief Executive of the Board of Deputies, also described Samson as “a trailblazer… the first woman to occupy this hugely significant role.”

In her official statement responding to the announcement, Samson described the House of Commons as “the central institution in the constitution of the United Kingdom and it is an honour to lead the team who make the House happen as the 53rd Clerk of the House – and the first woman clerk. It needs the skills and expertise of many people to make sure that the House can function and MPs are effectively supported.

“I know the sheer slog needed to keep the estate running, to feed us and keep us safe and to provide all the excellent services that support Members, directly and indirectly. I am grateful to all my colleagues for the commitment and care you put into your work and I look forward to having the chance to lead and support you.

“I want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Tom Goldsmith, for his friendship and support and I will of course be learning a lot from Tom ahead of his departure at the end of October.”

Samson is also believed to be the first Jewish person to be appointed to the role. A predecessor, Sir David Natzler, had Jewish paternal grandparents, although his father, an agent in the SOE during the Second World War, was raised as a Lutheran.