Clark Somner will take over as Clerk to the Legislature from the start of next month.

Mr Somner has spent 27 years in the Civil Service in the roles of Deputy Clerk to the Legislature and Clerk to the Senate.

He has also conducted workshops on parliamentary procedure and the legislative process for senior Public Service officers and for MPs and senators.

In 2001, Mr. Somner was seconded to the British Houses of Parliament, and completed the Westminster and other Overseas Territories workshops on Public Accounts Committees.

Dennis Lister, the Speaker of the House, said: “I extend a heartfelt congratulations to Mr Somner on his appointment as the Clerk to the Legislature.

“Mr Somner brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, having served as a member of the legislative staff for many years. Indeed, he has been a constant presence in the legislature during the many years that I have served.

“As Speaker, it has been a pleasure to work with Mr Somner first as Deputy Clerk and for the past year as Acting Clerk. Mr Somner’s direction and input will be invaluable during the transition that will accompany the reform of the legislature.”

The previous Clerk to the Legislature, Shernette Wolff, retired last year.