This section contains information for the public about the office of Lord-Lieutenant. We manage the budget for Lord-Lieutenants' expenses. We also administer the appointment process for Deputy Lieutenants.
The office of Lord-Lieutenant is of military origin and dates back to the time of Henry VIII when they were appointed for the maintenance of order and for military purposes relating to local defence. Their military role has largely disappeared, but links are maintained by association with Volunteer Reserve Forces. They are also connected with other uniformed organisations such as the Fire, Police and Ambulance services and various volunteer bodies. Lords-Lieutenant have long been associated with the magistracy and, until the 19th century, they appointed the Clerk of the Peace. Nowadays, Lords-Lieutenant generally sit as magistrates.
Lord-Lieutenants are appointed by The Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister, for each county of England and Wales and each area of Scotland, save for the cities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, pursuant to section 1 of the Lieutenancies Act 1997.
Deputy Lieutenants are commissioned by the Lord-Lieutenant, subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State that the Queen does not disapprove of the appointment. The function of Deputy Lieutenant is to assist in the performance of any public duty performed by the Lord-Lieutenant. The normal retirement age for the Lord-Lieutenants and Deputy Lieutenants is 75.
Lord-Lieutenants are Her Majesty's personal representatives in a county or area. Their prime duty is to uphold the dignity of the Crown. Within that remit, the Lord-Lieutenant will exercise the following functions:
1. Arranging visits by members of the Royal family and escorting Royal visitors;
2. Presentation of medals and awards on behalf of Her Majesty;
3. Participation in civic, voluntary and social activities with the Lieutenancy;
4. Liaison with local units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force and their associated cadet forces; and
5. Leading the local magistracy by chairing the Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace.
There is no "Job Description" as such, but there is available to those appointed as Lord-Lieutenants a booklet entitled "Guide to the Role of Lord-Lieutenants".
Lord-Lieutenants are normally asked by the Lord Chancellor to chair these committees, and to advise on their membership.
The Monarchy website has more information about Lord-Lieutenants, including contact information.
Lieutenancy matters in England
Rachel Hobday
Constitutional Settlement Division
Department for Constitutional Affairs
Mail Point 6.06
Selborne House
54-60 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6QW
DX117000
Telephone: 020 7210 8274
Email
For lieutenancy matters in Scotland, please contact the Secretary of Commissions (currently Trevor Lodge, Head of External Support Division, Scottish Executive)
Secretary of Commissions
Scottish Executive
External Support Division
Room 4N.11
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh EH1 3DG
Telephone: 0131 244 3315
Email
Lieutenancy matters in Wales
Elaine Baker
Public Administration Divison
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff CF10 3NQ
Tel - Ffon 029 2082 3402
Email
Lieutenancy matters in Northern Ireland
Sam Fitzsimons
Block B
Castle Buildings
Stormont
Belfast BT4 3SG
Telephone: 028 9052 8154
Email
