Process for the appointment of Lord-Lieutenants
Information about the appointment process of Lord-Lieutenants.
Overview
Lord-Lieutenants are His Majesty’s representative in the county and as such will act to protect the dignity and integrity of the office they hold. Aside from royal duties, Lord-Lieutenants generally promote and encourage voluntary and charitable organisations and take an interest in the business, urban and rural and social life of the county.
Certain duties are expected of the Lord-Lieutenant and they include:
- arranging visits by Members of the Royal Family and escorting Royal visitors;
- representing The King, including presenting certain honours, medals and awards;
- encouraging and assessing honours nominations;
- liaising with local units of the armed forces and their associated reserve and cadet forces; and
- (in some counties in England and Wales) leading the local magistracy as Chairman of the Lord Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace.
Lord-Lieutenants give their time to the office voluntarily and are supported in their role by a Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants.
Lord-Lieutenants, Vice Lord-Lieutenants and Deputy Lieutenants normally retire at 75. They must be strictly apolitical in the performance of their Lieutenancy duties.
Summary of appointment process
Lord-Lieutenants
A wide-ranging consultation process takes place both locally and nationally to identify potential candidates. In England, this process is undertaken by the Prime Minister’s Appointments Secretary; in Scotland and Wales, by representatives from the Devolved Administrations; and in Northern Ireland, by the Northern Ireland Office.
The Prime Minister is notified of the results of the consultation process. The Prime Minister, after considering the results, will then make the recommendation to The King and ask for approval of the appointment.
Vice Lord-Lieutenants
The Lord-Lieutenant can nominate a Vice Lord-Lieutenant. The nomination is submitted to the Prime Minister, again through the Prime Minister’s Appointments Secretary; representatives from the Devolved Administration; or the Northern Ireland Office. The Prime Minister will then make the recommendation to The King and ask for approval of the appointment.
Deputy Lieutenants
Deputy Lieutenants are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant. They are expected to carry out public duties on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant. This appointment does not require The Sovereign’s approval.
Summary for making a complaint or removal from post
The formal process for requesting the resignation, removal or stepping down of a Lord-Lieutenant, Vice Lord-Lieutenant or Deputy Lieutenant can be triggered by a variety of circumstances that affect the reputational integrity of the post. Some examples include receiving a criminal conviction, not complying with the terms of their appointment such as becoming active in local politics, or other propriety and probity issues.
The process for making a complaint or ending an appointment is conducted through the Lieutenancy Office in the first instance.
In the case of a Lord-Lieutenant or Vice Lord-Lieutenant, a referral may then be made to the Prime Minister’s Appointments Secretary (or through the Devolved Administration or Northern Ireland Office) stating the reasons why the Prime Minister should seek the approval of The Sovereign to end the appointment.
If you require further information please contact the Cabinet Office in writing to
Lord-Lieutenants Appointments Team
Cabinet Office,
Room G.39,
1 Horse Guards Road,
London
SW1A 2HQ