Queen appoints first 'woman in tights'

January 31, 2008 07:33:02 AM

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Upholding law and order in the "Mother of All Parliaments" is now woman's work, after Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday approved the appointment of the House of Commons first female serjeant at arms.

Jill Pay, a former assistant serjeant -- the word comes from the Latin serviens, or servant -- in the lower chamber of parliament, takes over from Major General Peter Grant Peterkin, who retired in December. She is the first woman in the post's 593-year history.

The serjeant at arms, who is the only person in the Commons allowed to carry a sword to symbolise the position's authority, heads up the chamber's 40-strong security team.

The team is often jokingly referred to as "the men in tights" because of members' traditional uniform that includes knee-length breeches, stockings and buckled shoes.

The serjeant also assists the Commons speaker, walking ahead and carrying the ceremonial mace in the daily procession and sitting in the chamber to ensure security. No sitting may proceed until the mace is in its place.

Both the serjeant and the Black Rod, the equivalent post in the upper House of Lords, are advised on security matters by a special co-ordinator.

A mother of two, Pay has worked in parliament since 1994 and was Grant Peterkin's assistant from 2004. She previously worked in business, advertising and education.

Serjeants at arms have long held a place in British history and have their roots in the 13th century as the monarch's personal bodyguard of gentlemen.

King Henry V appointed the first serjeant to the House of Commons in 1415. The post remains a royal appointment and the holder is usually an ex-serviceman.

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