Lancashire’s new High Sheriff takes office

The new High Sheriff of Lancashire has been officially sworn in at a historic ceremony in County Hall, Preston.

Robert Mitchel Webb JP DL began his year in office at the installation on Friday 7 April continuing a tradition stretching back hundreds of years.

Appointed by Her Majesty The Queen, Robert takes over the role from outgoing High Sheriff John Barnett, MBE DL.

The High Sheriff's role is to 'protect and assist in upholding the dignity and well-being of Her Majesty’s Judges and to project the principles of encouraging responsible citizenship and respect for the diversity of the community which lie at the heart of our constitution'.

The role is carried out on a voluntary basis. The High Sheriff does not receive any salary or expenses.

Robert, a former director of the John Hogg Group and Lancaster Magistrate, has made an important contribution to many aspects of life in Lancashire since he moved here 41 years ago.

He said: "It is a tremendous honour to be chosen to represent the people of Lancashire as High Sheriff by Her Majesty the Queen.

"I have always been interested in the criminal justice system and the High Sheriff makes an important contribution to this in Lancashire.

"During my year in office I will do my best to give my full support to everyone involved in upholding law and order, and also to the many charity and community groups, who do so much for the people of Lancashire."

At the installation ceremony, the High Sheriff made a declaration to 'serve the Queen’s writs and execute the good laws and statutes of the realm'.

The Queen's Commissioners checked whether the declaration had been correctly delivered and the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire then handed over the Sheriff’s Patent, which is the authority to act throughout the year in office.