20/01/2014

Belfast High Sheriff Sworn In

Councillor Lydia Patterson has been sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Belfast.

The DUP Councillor, who represents the Castle area, has replaced her party colleague, Councillor Brian Kingston, in the new role.

The first High Sheriff of Belfast was appointed in January 1900. Historically, the prime duty is to protect the British monarch's interests in the city, but the role is largely ceremonial now. The appointment is made by the Secretary of State following a nomination from Belfast City Council.

The post of High Sheriff begins in January and ends in December.

Councillor Patterson said: "It is an Honour and a Privilege to hold this Office for the forthcoming year, and am looking forward to performing the duties of High Sheriff.

"I intend to serve the City of Belfast to the very best of my ability, and to deal with all events in a fair and even handed manner."

The new High Sheriff was first nominated to the city council to replace Alderman Nigel Dodds in May 2010 and was officially elected in May 2011.

She currently sits on the Health and Environmental Services Committee, Town Planning Committee, the Housing Forum and the all-Party Reference Group on Older People.

(IT/JP)

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