Beloved Commons Staff Member Memorialised In New Tea Room Plaque
1 min read
The life of one of Parliament’s “best-loved” former staff members has been commemorated in a new plaque now hanging at the entrance to the Members’ Tea Room.
Julia Clifford, who worked in the House of Commons catering department for 37 years, passed away in February after contracting Covid-19.
The 54-year-old beloved staff member had just been confirmed cancer-free following a yearlong battle with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who described Julia as one of Parliament’s “dearest friends”, unveiled the plaque in a ceremony this week.
He also revealed a new golden inscription of the words “Julia’s Tea Room”, which has been added to the space’s internal doors.
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“Julia was loved more than she could ever know,” said John Clifford, Julia’s husband of 27 years.
“It’s an absolute honour to have her workplace affectionately known as ‘Julia’s Tea Room’ and it means so much to the family that she will be forever remembered by staff and MPs.”
Since his wife’s passing, John has received more than 200 letters and condolence cards from present and former Members.
He has also been sent two handwritten notes from Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
During the unveiling ceremony, which was attended by friends and family of Julia, Hoyle said:
“Julia was a part of us and very special - she loved animals like me, she would share her stories, and everyone loved her. She will never be forgotten.”
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