High Sheriff of Belfast facts for kids
Quick facts for kids High Sheriff of Belfast |
|
|---|---|
|
Incumbent
John Hussey (DUP) since February 2022 |
|
| Style | High Sheriff |
| Appointer | Secretary of State (on the advice of the Council) |
| Term length | One year |
| Inaugural holder | Sir James Henderson |
| Formation | 1900 |
The High Sheriff of Belfast is an important title in the city of Belfast. It was first created in 1900. Sir James Henderson was the very first person to hold this position.
Today, the role of High Sheriff is mostly about ceremonies and traditions. It's not like a job with many daily tasks. The current High Sheriff is Councillor Samuel John Kyle. He is from the Ulster Unionist Party and started his role in 2023.
Contents
What Does a High Sheriff Do?
The High Sheriff of Belfast is like a special representative for the King in the city. This is different from the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, who is the King's personal representative.
The High Sheriff's job is mostly symbolic now. This means they represent the city at official events. They sometimes fill in for the Lord Mayor of Belfast when the Lord Mayor cannot attend.
How is the High Sheriff Chosen?
The High Sheriff is chosen every year. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland makes the final decision. They ask the person who is currently the High Sheriff and the Belfast City Council for suggestions.
They usually suggest three suitable people for the job. However, in recent years, the council often suggests just one person. This person is usually a member of the council.
The High Sheriff's term of office runs from January to December. This is different from the Lord Mayor's term, which starts in May or June. Before 1900, the city council used to elect the sheriffs themselves.
List of High Sheriffs
Many people have served as High Sheriff of Belfast since 1900. Here are a few examples:
Early High Sheriffs (20th Century)
- 1900: Sir James Henderson (the first High Sheriff)
- 1901: Otto Jaffe
- 1902: Samuel Lawther
- 1928: Julia McMordie (one of the early women to hold the role)
- 1942: Tommy Henderson
- 1979: Grace Bannister
Recent High Sheriffs (21st Century)
- 2000: Tom Campbell
- 2010: Christopher Stalford
- 2016: Jim Rodgers
- 2022: John Hussey
- 2023: Samuel John Kyle (the current High Sheriff)
See also
- Members of Belfast City Council
