THE DEPUTY LIEUTENANTS
The Lord-Lieutenant is supported in her work by a team of Deputy Lieutenants (DL) across the county. The size of the population of Buckinghamshire determines the maximum number of DLs that the Lord-Lieutenant may appoint. Buckinghamshire currently has 31 active Deputy Lieutenants who form an influential body of people well placed to support the county in many ways.
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Deputy Lieutenants are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant. They come from all walks of life and all parts of the County and are all people who have given significant service to their country or county. The role of Deputy Lieutenants, like that of the Lord-Lieutenant is non-political.
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Deputy Lieutenants reflect a broad range of services to the community, cultural background, ethnic mix, gender and social range. Their local and specialist knowledge and experience is increasingly being used to positive effect in key sectors ranging from education to youth services, and from business to the rural economy. They are the eyes and ears of the Lieutenancy in our local communities and liaise closely with many organisations throughout the County.
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Deputy Lieutenants support the work of the Lord-Lieutenant. They represent the Lord-Lieutenant in a wide range of public duties and at many engagements throughout Buckinghamshire. They play a particularly important ceremonial role at the many Citizenship Ceremonies.
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Deputy Lieutenants are particularly involved in encouraging voluntary organisations and charities – not least through their active work in encouraging and assisting with the assessment process of the Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service.
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Deputy Lieutenants may wear a special badge when they are representing the Lord-Lieutenant​.
Dr Nighat Arif, DL
Dr Nighat is a GP specialising in women's health, family planning and menopause care with over 16 years of experience in the NHS and she runs her own private practice. She is the resident Doctor on BBC Breakfast and ITV This Morning. She is a health content creator working with YouTube Health and the WHO Fides programme. Dr Nighat is the Ambassador for Wellbeing of Women and the recipient of a 2023 Prime Ministers 'Point of Light' Award in recognition of her work of raising awareness of Women's Health issues in the UK. Dr Nighat was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from City University, London for Science and Public Health. In September 2023, Dr Nighat formed The Health Collective in partnership with Dame Lesley Regan to help map grassroots organisations in the UK to ensure equitable access to healthcare and appropriate nuanced policies as part of Women’s Health Strategy.
George Anson, DL
George Anson was born in Canada in 1960 to a Canadian mother and British father. He spent most of his formative years in Iowa in the American Midwest. He went to the University of Iowa where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance in 1982. In 1984 he moved to the United Kingdom and started his career in The City working initially for GT Management, before moving to Hancock Venture Partners (later HarbourVest Partners) in 1990 where he was a founder and partner for 27 years overseeing their European and Asian activities. George retired from HarbourVest Partners in June 2017. George has been married to Kirsty for 37 years, and they have three grown children; Josceline, Douglas and Peter They have lived in north Buckinghamshire since 1990, and in Weedon since 1999. George is involved with a number of charitable and not-for-profit organisations, and is a keen golfer and sportsman.
Joanna Barclay. DL
Joanna Barclay has lived in the Chilterns for 29 years, having returned from 6 years in Paris. She has 3 children and a growing band of grandchildren. Accompanying her husband Joe during his busy shrieval year, 2014-15, gave her a deeper understanding of how the county operates at many levels. Her background is in picture research and, in 2016, she produced a documentary film on Our County at War: The Home Front in Buckinghamshire, 1914-1918. Amongst other things, she is County Organiser for Buckinghamshire Historic Churches Trust’s Ride + Stride.
Melanie Beck, MBE DL
Melanie is the Former Chief Executive of MyMiltonKeynes, Business Improvement District (BID) based in Central Milton Keynes. She was responsible for consulting and establishing the BID ten years ago, driving over £10 million of business investment into the city centre making this one of the biggest BIDs in the country. She was awarded her MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in October 2021 for her voluntary community work during the Covid Pandemic. Melanie was the Chairman of the Performance Management of British Olympic Diving, and British High Diving until the end of her term. She has represented Great Britain since 2007 at World Aquatics, the World Governing body for aquatic sports holding the position of Honorary Secretary to the Technical Diving Committee. She has attended and technically managed 4 Olympic Games, 10 World Championships and five Junior World Championships. She has been appointed the Technical Delegate to two Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Birmingham and attended a further two. Melanie Is the Chairman of the Trustee Board of MK SNAP and SportsAid Eastern region. She is a volunteer chaplain at Milton Keynes University Hospital and is the Corps officer at Milton Keynes Salvation Army following in the footsteps of four generations of her family
I. Stephanie Boyce, CBE DL
Dr. I. Stephanie Boyce CBE FKC (Hon Causa) is a solicitor and Former President of the Law Society of England and Wales. She holds a masters degrees in Public Law and Global Governance from King’s College London. Stephanie made history as the first person of colour to serve as President of the Law Society of England and Wales, where she championed diversity, access to justice and the rule of law at a national and international level. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for fairness, inclusion, social mobility and access to justice. Beyond her professional achievements, Stephanie has a deep connection to Buckinghamshire, where she was born and has lived for many years and remains actively engaged in community initiatives across the county. She is committed to supporting local organisations and schools, celebrating voluntary service, and strengthening the ties between civic institutions and the communities they serve. She was awarded the CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List, 2026. Stephanie holds several business and charity roles nationally and internationally. She is an honorary professor at the Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College London and has received a number of awards for her work, including the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Award for her leadership of the legal profession during the COVID-19 pandemic and her services to equality, diversity and inclusion. Stephanie is a global speaker and runs her own consultancy advising on leadership, governance, ethics and inclusion across the legal profession and wider professional services sector and is chair of the Solicitors Charity.
Mike Clare, DL
Mike supports many philanthropic organisations including Outward Bound, The Princes Trust, Child Bereavement UK, Heart of Bucks and The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers. Mike founded his own charity, The Clare Foundation in 2009, which offers support and loans to Buckinghamshire charities to help them become more efficient and effective.
Sarah Clarke, JP DL
Sarah has lived in Milton Keynes for over 30 years. Together with her husband Paul, she is a Director of an IT and Data Analytics business and sits on the management Board of the MK Biztech Technology Hub. Sarah is a magistrate, a former Chair of the Buckinghamshire Bench and a Trustee of the Magistrates’ Association
Graeme Dell, DL
Graeme is an acknowledged local business leader who was born and grew up in Buckinghamshire where he still lives. As a Buckinghamshire business founder he has overseen the receipt of three Queen’s / King’s Awards for Enterprise in both Innovation and International Trade categories. He is a UK Principal Expert in his field who is recognised globally for his innovative work, a technical author of international healthcare product and construction standards and a Department for Business & Trade Export Champion. Aside from business success Graeme is a former National Coach at the Football Association. He currently serves on The FA Council and is a UEFA Match Delegate and FIFA Technical Expert, all of which engages his interest in championing the development of young people through sport and business. He currently serves as a non-exec member of the Sport England main board Audit Risk & Governance Committee, having previously been Independent Chair of the Sports Council Trust Company which owns facilities such as Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre.
Dr Sheena Dykes, BEM DL
Sheena is the co-founder and chair of Wycombe Homeless Connection and was awarded a BEM in 2020 for her services to homelessness. She had a career as an NHS consultant psychiatrist and was Medical Director of Buckinghamshire Mental Health Trust (now part of Oxford Health). She was Director of the Career Development Unit of the Oxford Postgraduate Medical Deanery supporting doctors facing training difficulties in the Oxford region
Air Vice Marshal Christina Elliot, CB CBE DL
After gaining her degree from Glasgow University, Chris joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1985 as an Air Traffic Control Officer. Over the course of her 35-year career which included a posting to HQ Air Command and appointment as Station Commander at RAF Halton, she retired in the rank of Air Vice Marshal in June 2020. Chris joined the Reserve component the day after completing her full-time service. She was a Trustee of the RAF Sports Federation for eight years and left the Charity after handing over as Chair in February 2020. She joined the RAF Benevolent Fund in April 2020, taking over as CEO
Professor Ruth Farwell, CBE DL
Following a career in universities including as Vice Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, Ruth continues to be involved in education with board and advisory positions and as a trustee and volunteer for local charity BACO
Martyn J Griffiths, JP DL
Group Captain Anne-Marie Houghton, OBE DL
Anne-Marie has built a distinguished career in the Royal Air Force spanning nearly four decades. She joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) straight from school in 1986 and, in 1991, made history as the Service’s first female navigator. During her operational career, Anne-Marie accumulated over 4,000 flying hours. She has also held a wide range of senior staff appointments, including postings at Northwood Headquarters, the Ministry of Defence in London, and most recently HQ Air Command, RAF High Wycombe.. A committed advocate of lifelong learning, Anne-Marie completed both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees while serving in the RAF. With a strong focus on supporting young people and community organisations, she volunteers as an instructor with her local Maidenhead RAF Air Cadets, coaches water polo with Wycombe District Swimming Club, is Honorary President of Taplow and Maidenhead Sea Cadets, and the RAF Association’s WRAF Branch. In recognition of her outstanding service to the Royal Air Force, Group Captain Anne Marie Houghton was appointed OBE in 2021.
HH Antony Hughes, DL
After qualifying as a solicitor in 1977, Tony moved with his family to Milton Keynes where he practiced as a local solicitor for many years and undertook parttime judicial appointments including Metropolitan Stipendiary Magistrate and Recorder until 2006 when he was appointed a fulltime Circuit Judge. In 2007 he became the Designated Family Judge for Buckinghamshire and retained that position until 2019 after which he continued to sit fulltime as a Circuit Judge until his retirement in May 2023.
Fola Komolafe, MBE DL
Fola worked in the private and public sector for over thirty years before retiring from Mazars as partner and global lead for international development. She worked in financial services at HSBC, in IBM’s technology and consulting business and spent thirteen years working in international development through NNGO, INGO and Open University. Fola leads Indisys, a consulting and coaching services business, and is the co-founder of Fresh Inspiration, a charity devoted to the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. A passionate christian minister and business leader, Fola is also Non Executive Director on a number of boards and vice president with MKCF and British Red Cross
Dr Julie Mills, OBE DL
Julie is a graduate of the Open University and was awarded a Doctorate in 2005 for her research into Prison Education. Her career in education spans 35 years, starting as a part-time teacher in adult education and culminating in the role of Chief Executive at the Milton Keynes College Group. Julie also led the College’s Prison Education Team for several years and led a consortium of employers including Microsoft, KPMG and McAfee in a successful bid to central government to establish The South Central Institute of Technology, in Bletchley. She was awarded an OBE in 2019 for services to education and in bringing education and employers together. Julie continues to champion inclusion and social mobility through her roles as chair of the Helena Kennedy Foundation and Women Leaders UK.
Bill Morris, LVO DL
Bill advises the International Olympic Committee and other worldwide clients in major events and complex cultural projects. He chairs an annual UK landmark event, and a leading entertainment architecture practice whilst Co-chairing The Buckinghamshire Cultural Partnership. He is also a trustee for an event-legacy, grant-giving charity, whilst continuing post-graduate studies at the University of Oxford. He has served as a senior executive in Media and an Advisor to the UK Government. From 2006 to 2013 Bill was responsible for the team which delivered the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Ceremonies including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and Torch Relays. As one of the Organising Committee Executive Directors, he was also responsible for Education, Live Sites and formation of the Cultural Olympiad. Since 2013 he has advised the International Olympic Committee and Games Organising Committees of every Olympic Games on a similar range of topics. He is currently working with hosts in Milan, Los Angeles and Brisbane. Bill joined London 2012 from the BBC where he worked in radio and TV production and later in senior management. Most recently, as Project Director, Live Events, he was responsible for many of the BBC's major events. These included the `BBC Music Live' Festival and The Queen's Concerts at Buckingham Palace (for which he was awarded the 'LVO' in The Queen's Jubilee Honours List). Bill served on the Radio Academy's Council from the early 1990s and as Chair from 1998-2001. He was awarded a Fellowship in July 2001. He was granted the Olympic Order of Merit in 2012. Bill is a Life Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He completed a Masters Degree in Sustainable Urban Development at the University of Oxford in 2023 and continues research. Bill and his wife Kate, have two grown up children and have lived in South Buckinghamshire for over 30 years.
Alison Phillips, OBE DL
Alison is a former member of HM Diplomatic Service serving at the United Nations in New York and as the UK’s representative at UNESCO in Paris. She was awarded an OBE for services to the FCO. She has also been a Non-Executive Director of Stoke Mandeville Hospital, the Chairman of the Cancer Care and Haematology Fund, a Council member and Trustee of the University of Buckingham and served as a member of the Thames Valley Police Authority until 2012, and thereafter in a senior advisory role. ​Alison is married to Richard Phillips QC and has a daughter.
Frank Purcell, BEM DL
Frank Purcell, 52, has lived in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire all his life and has a strong connection to the county and its communities. He is the Managing Director and a partner of M&M Supplies UK PLC, a global FMCG trading business specialising in food, drink, household and personal care products. Around 25% of the company’s workforce are people with disabilities, and it supports work experience and development programmes for adults with learning disabilities. Community service is central to Frank’s work. M&M Supplies supports the local food bank, which operates from the company’s premises. Frank brings strong local knowledge and a commitment to service to his role as Deputy Lieutenant. He is married to Angela and has four daughters: Lillia, Summer, Cora and Savannah.
Naomi Riches, MBE DL
Naomi graduated from Bucks New University with her degree in 2006 but by that point had already been an Elite Athlete with the Great Britain Paralympic Rowing Team for 2 years. During her 9 years in the GB squad she won 6 World titles, a Bronze at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008 earning her a Hon MA from Bucks New University, and a Gold a London 2012. She was awarded an MBE for services to Rowing in the 2013 New Years Honours list.
Lt Col (Retd) Lyndon Robinson, DL
Born in Aylesbury and educated locally at the John Colet School Wendover Lyndon was raised in the care of a loving foster family. He joined the Army in 1984 after a Fishery Science degree at Plymouth Polytechnic where he did his industrial phase working trawlers out of Brixham. He saw active service in four Theatres and unusually for an Army Officer he commanded a ship. He retired in 2020 as the Commanding Officer Bicester Garrison. He is privileged to be the honorary colonel of the Buckinghamshire Army Cadet Force and Vice President of a small military charity and a trustee of another. He is also a lay member of the Oxford Diocese and is a parochial church councillor. His interests include bell ringing, amateur dramatics and distance walking. He has had a couple of books independently published and has contributed to poetry anthologies. Lyndon has been married to Eleanor for 36 years and they have two grown up daughters.
HHJ Francis Sheridan, DL
Francesca Skelton, DL
After a career in magazine publishing, Francesca managed a local charity in her home town of Milton Keynes, and took on voluntary roles as Chair of MK Community Foundation, and later MK College. A Deputy Lieutenant since 2007, she was High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire 2015/16. She is currently Chair of the Arts and Heritage Alliance, Milton Keynes.
Andrew M. Smith, OBE DL
Andrew M. Smith OBE DL, who lives in Stoke Poges, joined the Pinewood Studios Group in June 2008 as Corporate Affairs Director. Synonymous with world class British and international productions, the Pinewood Studios Group is home to some of the most successful feature films and TV shows of all time, including James Bond and Star Wars. Andrew is a member of BAFTA, the British Film Commission Advisory Board, the British Screen Forum and a Governor of the British Film Institute. He is also Deputy Chair of Buckinghamshire Council Growth Board. In June 2021 Andrew was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire and in January 2022 was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2022 New Year’s Honours for services to ‘Business and the British Film Industry’
The Hon Mrs Milly Soames, DL
Camilla Soames (Milly) has lived in Buckinghamshire since 1991. She has been a Patron of the Pace Centre since 2005 and Patron of Heart of Bucks Community Foundation and Milton Keynes Museum since 2017. After her year as High Sherriff ended in 2017 she undertook the role of Chair of BACO (Bucks Association for the Care of Offenders) and is a Trustee of Action 4 Youth. In January 2019 she joined the Council of Buckingham University. She has three adult children and lives with her husband Rupert, on a small farm in the Vale of Aylesbury.
Mary Tuckett, JP DL
Born and educated in Buckinghamshire apart from University. Runs the family agricultural business in the Vale of Aylesbury. Other interests include sport and access for young people to sport, especially at grass roots. Served as Chair of National Charity for equestrian sport giving access to riding at all levels from Olympic pathway to recreational riding on borrowed ponies.
Julia Upton, MBE DL
Julia is a Trustee and the Chair of MK YMCA, a Trustee of The Milton Keynes Rose Trust and The Stables Theatre. She was High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire 2019 - 2020. Julia has enjoyed two careers, firstly in education then as CEO of MK Community Foundation. She was Vice Chair of UK Community Foundation, which works to develop Community Foundations in the UK and create best practice in philanthropy. Julia continues to be enthusiastic in her support of the voluntary sector in its endeavours to create successful and thriving communities.
Lieutenant Colonel Simon WIlkinson, TD DL
Lt Col Simon Wilkinson is born and bred Bucks, schooled in the County he volunteered to join the Army Reserve at the age of 18 and has spent 40 years as a Reservist including Operational tours. He is Chairman and Trustee of several charities in the County. He is a local estate agent and has 2 daughters
Gamiel Yafai, MBE DL
Gamiel Yafai MBE is the Founder and CEO of Diversity Marketplace, a diversity, equity and inclusion consultancy established in 2005, working with public, private and voluntary sector organisations nationally and internationally. Of fourth-generation mixed heritage with formative experiences in Birmingham and Yemen, Gamiel co-founded the MK Ethnic Business Community and serves on the board of Women Leaders UK. In 2025 he received an MBE for services to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, an Honorary Doctorate from the Open University, and recognition on the Diversity Power List. His vision is for Milton Keynes to be the most inclusive city in the United Kingdom, one where diversity is celebrated, all communities have a voice and visibility, and every individual has the opportunity to contribute fully to society