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Speaker's Statement

I have to inform the House that this will be Graham Dear's last day in the Chamber as Principal Doorkeeper. He completed a distinguished military career, ending as regimental sergeant major of 42 Commando Royal Marines, and he joined the House of Commons as a Doorkeeper in 1988. He was promoted to Principal Doorkeeper in 2002 and has served the House with exceptional loyalty and diplomacy. He is highly respected and professional. He has upheld the finest traditions of Parliament with an unshakeable combination of gravitas and style. I thank him for his outstanding service to the House, and, on behalf of the House, I wish him a long and happy retirement.