The Lieutenancies Act 1997 has ensured that the County of Gwent remains a preserved County, that is, one of the Counties in Wales that existed immediately before the passing of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994.
As the appointed representative of The King in the County, the Lord-Lieutenant is the first citizen in the County and takes precedence on all occasions. The only exceptions are occasions of municipal business e.g. Mayoral Inauguration or Freedom ceremonies, and (of course) when a member of the Royal Family is present.
The Lord-Lieutenant’s role is, like the Monarch’s, essentially non-political.
The duties are many and varied but may be broadly classified under the following headings:
The Lord Lieutenant appoints a number of Deputy Lieutenants to assist him in his duties, and is supported by a Clerk to the Lieutenancy.
Mr. Ross Murray DL is the current Vice Lord Lieutenant. His role is to deputise for the Lord Lieutenant when he is unavailable.
