Following agreement from HM The King, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada, signed the Commission of five new Deputy Lieutenants of the County of Bedfordshire on 23 May 2024 and an announcement was placed in The London Gazette.

The new Deputy Lieutenants are; 

• Mr Hannan Ali
• Colonel Leona Barr-Jones
• Mr Martin Darlow
• Mr James Russell
• Lt Col Jonathan Searle

Deputy Lieutenants assist the Lord-Lieutenant and Vice Lord-Lieutenant in their work to support voluntary, community, statutory, civic, armed forces, business and many other aspects of county life which seek to bring kindness, opportunity and cohesion in Bedfordshire.

Commenting on the commission, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire said 

“I am delighted to welcome five new deputy Lieutenant’s to the Lieutenancy team. All of whom bring with them a wealth of international professional experience, many years of dedicated commitment to our county, energy and enthusiasm. I am confident that they will make a huge impact in Bedfordshire and will all be an asset to the Lieutenancy team which is dedicated to supporting and shining a light on those who work so hard to make Bedfordshire such a kind, respectful, vibrant and richly diverse county where all feel welcome and can flourish”.

Short Biographies of all Deputy Lieutenants can be found here.