Calderdale businessman Clive Lloyd becomes High Sheriff of West Yorkshire

A Calderdale businessman has been sworn in as the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire at Leeds Crown Court.
Clive Lloyd, High Sheriff of West YorkshireClive Lloyd, High Sheriff of West Yorkshire
Clive Lloyd, High Sheriff of West Yorkshire

Clive Lloyd along with his wife Virginia are only the second couple to have both been appointed to the position.

Virginia was High Sheriff of West Yorkshire in 2013 to 2014.

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They co-founded Design and Display Limited, a specialist design and manufacturing business based in Elland.

Mr Lloyd is a past vice-chair of Opera North and currently chairs their development committee. He also currently sits on the board of trustees of Northern Ballet Theatre and the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust.

Mr Lloyd said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as High Sheriff of West Yorkshire.

"I plan to spend my year working hard to promote the duties of this historic role by supporting the Judiciary and the institutions that work hard to deliver justice in our area. I will do all that I can to support West Yorkshire in any way that is appropriate."

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The ceremony was presided over by The Hon. Mr Justice Lavender, The Presiding High Court Judge of the North Eastern Circuit. Guests included the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, The Honorary Recorder of Leeds His Honour Judge Guy Kearl QC, West Yorkshire Chief Constable Mr John Robins and Mr Mark Burns-Williamson the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

What is the role of the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire

The role has existed in Yorkshire since at least 1066. The Office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year.

The origins of the Office date back to Saxon times, when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible to the King for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown. Today, there are 55 High Sheriffs serving the counties of England and Wales each year.

Whilst the duties of the role have evolved over time, supporting the Crown and the Judiciary remain central elements of the role today.

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In addition, High Sheriffs actively lend support and encouragement to crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and to the voluntary sector. In recent years High Sheriffs in many parts of England and Wales have been particularly active in encouraging crime reduction initiatives, especially amongst young people.

Many High Sheriffs also assist Community Foundations and local charities working with vulnerable and other people both in endorsing and helping to raise the profile of their valuable work. High Sheriffs receive no remuneration and no part of the expense of a High Sheriff’s year falls on the public purse.