New Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland appointed

A Wooler man has been appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland.
John LovettJohn Lovett
John Lovett

John Lovett has taken on the role, which will see him support and assist the Duchess of Northumberland in her position as Lord-Lieutenant – the Queen’s official representative for the county.

Mr Lovett has enjoyed an extensive career in leading large organisations as a company director and financier. He has previously held senior posts based in Northumberland, including CEO of The Alnwick Garden Trust for seven years, where at that time he led the revival of The Garden and delivered the Duchess of Northumberland’s vision to restore it to the major tourist attraction it is today. One of his current directorships is Northumberland based Bedmax Limited, where he remains one of the founder shareholders.

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The Duchess said: "I am delighted John has agreed to accept the appointment and we warmly welcome him to his new role as a new Deputy Lieutenant. I am already familiar with John’s outstanding work ethic, having worked closely with him in the transformation of The Alnwick Garden and in his many successful contributions to making Northumberland a wonderful place to live, work and visit."

Originally qualifying as a chartered accountant, Mr Lovett has played a significant part in raising money and awareness for local charities such as the Great North Air Ambulance, and with his strong connections to Northumberland, has sat on committees to steer a number of the county’s countryside and rural initiatives. Most recently he has secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to permit vital restoration work to be carried out at Holy Cross Church, Chatton, his local parish church.

He said: "It is a real honour and privilege to be chosen for this position. I am delighted to be able to serve the county in this capacity and I look forward to assisting Her Grace in her official duties."

Deputy Lieutenants are chosen by the Lord-Lieutenant, but they receive their commission only when official confirmation is received that Her Majesty the Queen does not ‘disapprove of the appointment’. They must live within the county, or within seven miles of the boundary, and they usually retain the appointment until the retirement age of 75.