Tributes

Baroness Williams of Trafford Excerpts

Thursday 19th December 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

My Lords, as we bring the last sitting week of 2024 to a close, it is not only traditional but important that I and my colleagues in the usual channels take this opportunity to pay tribute to individual members of staff who have recently departed or are soon to depart from your Lordships’ House. This also includes taking a moment to reflect on and celebrate the lives of those colleagues who are sadly no longer with us. Many of the individuals mentioned today will be known to noble Lords, having provided many years of exemplary service to this place.

Before doing so, I acknowledge the work of the almost 600 individual currently serving staff members across the House. In many cases, these people are here first thing in the morning, during the day and working late into the night. This equally applies to staff in the Government Whips’ Office and other usual channels offices, who have supported us and the whole House in managing our business. I extend a huge thanks to them all.

Sometimes, it is the things which are carried out quietly, inconspicuously and without fanfare that have the greatest impact on our ability to perform our duties well. These efforts are what enable this House and our work to operate seamlessly and without interruption. This collective effort could not have been demonstrated more expertly than in the moments immediately preceding this year’s general election. One thing that is never in doubt is the reassuring feeling that every team member in the House will always pull together and rise to the occasion, whatever the challenge may be.

Becoming Government Chief Whip in July, after three years as Opposition Chief Whip, was a huge privilege. I pay a particular tribute to the civil servants who work in the Government Whips’ Office, led by Ayeesha Bhutta. Their professionalism in the transition and working with the new Government is a wonderful example of the Civil Service at its best.

I come to individual tributes, beginning with Parthe Ward, who passed away unexpectedly at home in June this year. After joining the House as an assistant librarian in 1990, Parthe was a familiar face at the Library information desk, sourcing and issuing books, answering questions and lifting the spirits of everyone who interacted with her. Answering Members’ queries proved to be Parthe’s forte. Her knowledge of the House, its work and the Library’s collection, and her ability to track down obscure pieces of information were invaluable. More so, her kindness, sense of humour and willingness to help always shone through.

When the opportunity arose in 2016, the Library successfully applied for Parthe to receive an MBE. Modest as ever, when she received the letter she thought somebody was having a joke. She promptly telephoned the honours and appointments secretariat and was told that it was an actual fact and not a joke. Parthenope Lucy Ward had been awarded an MBE for parliamentary services—a true testament to her dedication and service to your Lordships’ House. Parthe is greatly missed by colleagues and Members alike, and we pass on our deepest condolences to her family and friends.

I now come to Clare Treanor, managing editor in Lords Hansard, who is retiring this month. Clare came to the Lords Hansard office from the House of Commons in January 2006. Since 2013, she has been the linchpin of Hansard’s Select Committee transcription work and has read an astonishing volume of Select Committee evidence, to which she has brought to bear her formidable work ethic, keen editorial eye and meticulous organisational skills. Her colleagues have hugely appreciated her steady and thoughtful guidance, and will greatly miss her warm presence in the office.

For her retirement, I understand that Clare is planning to move to Cornwall, an area of the country she knows well, to be closer to her sister and nephew, to whom she is devoted. She is looking forward to taking advantage of the potential for open-air swimming, visiting local galleries, and deploying her enthusiasm and flair for interior design in her new home. We wish Clare all the very best for her well-earned retirement.

The last individual on my list is Elaine Tarry, who retired from Black Rod’s team of formidable doorkeepers in January this year. Elaine joined the House in January 2017, having previously worked as a station manager on the London Underground. A much-liked member of the team, Elaine was always willing to help others and pass on her knowledge. I hear she took to the role very well. I wonder whether that is because, I am told, Elaine is apparently in possession of an unclear number of cats. One of the unique but necessary skills possessed by many doorkeepers is unflappability in a difficult situation. Cats, commuters and Members of your Lordships’ House alike are notoriously difficult to herd. Elaine has now moved on to pursue part-time charity work in her local area and is much missed by the team. We wish her every success in her new role and all the very best for her retirement.

In my closing remarks, I pass on my personal thanks to all colleagues across the usual channels for the support they provide. I suspect we may have a few challenging times ahead but, with the usual courtesy and friendship displayed in our discussions, I am convinced we will continue to work together, and if we cannot agree we can at least disagree amicably.

Finally, as a small festive treat, I am delighted to be able to confirm the answer to a popular question—the Conference Recess dates for 2025. I have already announced recess dates up to that point, which, of course, remain subject to the progress of business. If business proceeds as currently planned, I can confirm that the House will rise for the Conference Recess on Thursday 18 September and return on Monday 13 October. I hope colleagues will find this useful in planning.

I wish colleagues from across the House and all noble Lords a very merry and restful Christmas, followed by a very happy new year.

[Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)]

My Lords, I start by completely endorsing the remarks made by the Government Chief Whip. I also personally thank the Government Whips’ Office team for their sterling support and work during my time as Government Chief Whip. They are a great team and it was a real privilege to work with them. One of the things about a change of Government is that it does not give you a chance to thank people, so I am very glad that I can publicly do so now.

I also thank my team in the Opposition Whips’ Office, who have provided support for our Front-Benchers and Conservative Peers. Again, they are a superb team and I am most grateful for the way they have hit the ground running—literally—in such a professional and enthusiastic fashion.

I am also grateful and thankful for the Government Chief Whip. Despite appearances sometimes, he and I work very well together, sometimes in more testing times than others, but I think we can say that we respect each other and our roles. I hope we can continue to bring the Christmas good cheer well into the new year.

It is my honour and duty to pay tribute to Justus Jerome Abrao. He was a cherished member of the catering and retail services team who passed away in April. He was a dedicated member of the waiting staff, playing a pivotal role in the banqueting team, and he occasionally lent his talents to the Peers’ Dining Room. He joined the team in June 2023 and quickly became known for his exceptional work ethic, his warm personality and unwavering commitment to excellence. Very sadly, Justus passed away in a tragic accident in India in April. He has left a profound void in the team and in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

From all reports, Justus bought an unparalleled enthusiasm to his work. Whether attending to guests in the banqueting team or assisting in the Peers’ Dining Room, he consistently went above and beyond, embodying the true spirit of teamwork. His colleagues could always rely on him to offer a helping hand or take the initiative in tackling the next task. Even on the most demanding days, he faced every challenge with a genuine smile that lifted the spirits of everyone around him.

Justus’s kindness, positivity and professionalism did not go unnoticed. He had a unique ability to make those around him feel valued and appreciated, be they colleagues or guests. His calm demeanour, coupled with his relentless dedication to his role, made him a standout member of our team. Though his time with us was tragically cut short, his impact was immense. He will be remembered not only for his contributions to our service but for the warmth and joy he brought to our workplace. May he rest in peace.