Mr. Speaker announced on 28 June that Sir Philip Mawer had written to him saying he wished to step down from the appointment as Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards on 31 December 2007. By that date, Sir Philip will have served for almost six years. The Commission has agreed that the process of recruiting a successor by open competition should begin. The post was advertised in the press on 22 July and the Commission plans to make a recommendation for the House to consider early in the new Session.
The Librarian was appointed on a three year contract in December 2004. The Commission has agreed to make the appointment permanent.
The Serjeant at Arms was appointed on a three year contract starting in December 2004. Following the Tebbit review of the management and services of the House, involving a re-allocation of duties (including the creation of a new post to direct key support services and facilities for Members and others) and after careful consideration the Speaker accepted the House authorities’ recommendation not to approve renewal of the contract. Further details on implementation of the Tebbit recommendations are contained in my answer to another question today from the Chairman of the Administration Committee.