Parliament is advertising for a new Black Rod
The post offers carrot, as well as stick
The job advertisement is at once both clear and coy. It states that the successful candidate will demonstrate “strong interpersonal and influencing skills”, a “calm manner” and “excellent communication skills”. What it does not add is that, once a year, those “excellent communication skills” and “calm manner” will be put to use by hitting a big door in Parliament three times with a big stick while the king sits nearby, waiting, on a big gold throne.
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This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Carrot and stick”
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