Queen Elizabeth has approved the appointment of Nigerian-born Ugbana Oyet as Serjeant at Arms in the House of Commons.
Speaker John Bercow announced the appointment on Tuesday during plenary.
The Serjeant’s role is to ensure the safety of MPs in the House of Commons, as well as being carrier of the mace during the speaker’s procession.
He will lead a team of 70 staff, covering the Serjeant’s Office, the access team, the doorkeepers and business resilience.
Mr Oyet replaces Kamal El-Hajji who retired in July after three and a half years in the post.
The Nigerian had served as the parliament’s principal electrical engineer for several years before his new appointment.
“It is a great honour to serve in such a historic role, which combines the needs and challenges of the modern era, while also maintaining the dignity and essential traditions that have helped Parliament endure,” Oyet said.
“I’m a real people person and love working closely with MPs, staff and members of the public, so I will do my best to enhance morale and improve the excellent service already provided by the Serjeant’s office.”
Mr Bercow said he had known Oyet for a number of years and had always been impressed with his “ability, his attitude and his approach to other people.”
Oyet moved to the UK with his family in 1991.
He resumes his new role next week.
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