Sir Clifford Boulton
Sir Clifford John Boulton GCB (25 July 1930 - 25 December 2015) was a distinguished British parliamentary official who served as Clerk of the House of Commons from 1987 to 1994. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and deep knowledge of parliamentary procedure, Boulton played a pivotal role in modernizing the House during a period of significant reform.[1][3]
Early Life and Education
Born in Cocknage, Staffordshire, to Stanley Boulton, a local farmer, and Evelyn Hey, Clifford John Boulton grew up in a rural setting that instilled in him a strong work ethic.
He attended Newcastle-under-Lyme High School before completing National Service with the Royal Armoured Corps. Boulton then secured an exhibition to St John's College, Oxford, where he read Modern History, graduating in 1953.[1]
His academic background equipped him with a sharp analytical mind, qualities that would define his career in the "invisible" clerk's department of Parliament-those unsung experts who ensure the legislative machine runs smoothly.[1]
Parliamentary Career
Boulton joined the House of Commons clerk's department immediately after university, embarking on a path that led to the highest echelons of parliamentary service.
From 1964, he clerked for key select committees, beginning with Procedure-where his eye for detail and wry sense of the ridiculous earned him respect-and culminating with Privileges.[1]
In 1977, he took charge of the Commons' Overseas Office, followed by his appointment as Principal Clerk of the Table Office in 1979. This role involved assisting MPs with questions, motions, and the daily Order Paper.
Promoted to Clerk Assistant in 1983, Boulton succeeded Sir Kenneth Bradshaw as Clerk of the House in 1987.[1][3]
Key Roles and Reforms
As Clerk, Boulton navigated turbulent times, including shifts in political dynamics.
He retired a year early in 1994 to allow his deputy, Donald Limon, a smoother transition-and to join the influential Nolan Committee on standards in public life, serving until 2000. There, he advocated focusing on public concerns and rigorously testing reforms for practicality, warning that Parliament must heed external views or risk obsolescence.[1]
Honours and Recognition
- CB (Companion of the Order of the Bath) in 1985
- KCB (Knight Commander) in 1990
- GCB (Knight Grand Cross) in 1994
- Honorary degree from Keele University
A portrait by Andrew Tift captures his dignified presence, now available as high-quality prints.[4]
Later Life and Legacy
Post-retirement, Boulton relocated from Caterham to Rutland, England's smallest county.
He served as Deputy Lieutenant in 1997, trustee of Oakham School, chairman of the Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust, and-aptly-chairman of Rutland County Council's standards committee.
His commitment to public service extended beyond Westminster.[1]
Boulton passed away on Christmas Day 2015 at age 85, leaving a legacy of procedural expertise and ethical leadership.[1]
Career Timeline
| Year | Position | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | Joined Clerk's Department | Entry into parliamentary service |
| 1964-1977 | Clerk to Select Committees | Procedure to Privileges |
| 1977 | Clerk, Overseas Office | International parliamentary affairs |
| 1979 | Principal Clerk, Table Office | MP support and Order Paper |
| 1983-1987 | Clerk Assistant | Preparation for top role |
| 1987-1994 | Clerk of the House of Commons | Major reforms; GCB honour |
| 1995-2000 | Nolan Committee | Standards in public life |
Personal Life
Records indicate Boulton married Frances Ellen Gilbert on 7 January 1950 in Cheshire, England.
Some genealogical sources suggest an earlier birth year of 1925 and death in March 1994, but contemporary obituaries confirm 1930-2015 as accurate.[1][2][3]
Ever the procedural purist, Boulton once quipped about the absurdities of House debates, reminding colleagues that tradition tempers innovation-a philosophy that guided his reforms.
Influence Visualized
Boulton's career spanned decades of parliamentary evolution.
Here's a simple ASCII graph representing his progression through key roles (height indicates seniority):
1953 1964 1977 1979 1983 1987 1994
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Clerk Select Oversea Table Assist Clerk Retire
Dept Comm s Off Office ant of Hse
Graph: Career ascent from junior clerk to Clerk of the House.
Legacy and Assessment
Sir Clifford Boulton exemplified the clerk's ideal: swift, meticulous, and impartial.
His contributions ensured Parliament remained both ancient and adaptable. As one obituary noted, he was "renowned for his swift, meticulous way with parliamentary procedure."[3] Today, his influence persists in the procedural frameworks he helped refine.
- Balanced tradition with modernization
- Championed ethical standards via Nolan
- Mentored successors like Donald Limon
- Engaged locally in Rutland post-retirement