Dinner to mark the retirement of HM Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan

Last night we hosted a very special dinner in the Mansion House to mark the retirement of HM Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, Byron Lewis.

All Lord Lieutenants have to retire on their 75th birthday, so Byron will finish on 14th February. His successor will be announced in the London Gazette on Monday but will not take up post until the beginning of March.

As well as myself, the Lady Mayoress and the Council Leader, the dinner involved previous Lord Mayors and their guests, who had served with Byron over the last 12 years.

Lord Lieutenants were first appointed in 1540 by Henry VIII to take over the military duties of the Sheriff. They retained responsibility for raising local militias until the middle of the nineteenth century, when that role was taken over by the state. From that time the role became more ceremonial, representing the monarch locally amongst many other duties. It is the ultimate voluntary role.

Byron has served in the role with great distinction, grace and commitment. He will be a difficult act to follow.