Staffordshire has officially installed its new High Sheriff who will become the county's symbol for law and order over the next 12 months.

Staffordshire-born author and lawyer, Johnny Leavesley, was officially appointed to the post during an Installation Ceremony held at Stafford Crown Court in the presence of His Honour, Judge Michael Chambers QC, outgoing High Sheriff Ann Fisher and members of his friends and family.

The appointment marks the start of a year-long service to the Queen and Staffordshire to support the judiciary, the Police and all matters relating to law and order including local grassroots community organisations whose goal is to make Staffordshire safer.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: "I am deeply grateful and honoured to serve as High Sheriff of Staffordshire and become a part of this county's rich history. Staffordshire has always been the place I call home and I am looking forward to serving the people who live and work here, as well as the Crown, and bringing my passion and commitment to the role.

"It is a huge honour to join a long list of High Sheriffs who have dedicated their time and energies to protecting and promoting law and order in Staffordshire. This role is steeped in history and continues to carry important responsibilities including the celebration of local people who are making a difference to their communities. As High Sheriff, I too am committed to making a difference and will work hard over the next 12 months to recognise and support all those volunteers and selfless residents who care deeply enough about their county to improve it for future generations."

Born near Burton on Trent, Johnny is a director of The Leavesley Group, a family-owned trading company with substantial business interests across the Midlands and beyond including petrol retailing, shipping containers, self-storage, sale of surplus equipment (including plant, machinery and heavy vehicles for the UK Ministry of Defence), and extensive agricultural and property interests. The company's pig production operation is one of the largest in Europe and is at the forefront of the development of welfare-conscious farming practices.

The married father of five was educated at Repton, Derbyshire, and went on to study law at the College of Law in London before taking up posts as a solicitor at two law firms in the capital.

One of the highlights of his varied and successful career was being appointed Midlands Treasurer of the Conservative Party between 2004 and 2010. He has also held various non-executive directorships and chairman posts at Midlands-based trading companies and was previously a Governor of Pimlico School in London.

More recently, in 2013, he became an author, publishing his debut novel, Fragile Boundaries, to positive reviews.

During his service as High Sheriff, Johnny will lend his support to the High Sheriff Fund for Staffordshire, an endowment fund administered by the Staffordshire Community Foundation, which awards small local groups grants to make a difference to their local communities.

He will also continue to support Lichfield Cathedral in his role as High Sheriff and the Cathedral's Appeal Committee Chairman as part of its campaign to raise £20m for urgent conservation and repair work over the next decade. 

The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield, says: "We're absolutely thrilled to have the support of Johnny Leavesley in his role as High Sheriff of Staffordshire. Johnny is a valued member of the cathedral community and currently is Chairman of the Appeal Committee. We look forward to supporting Johnny in his role as High Sheriff over the coming year."

 Ends

 Picture shows (l-r):
 Rev Prebendary Jonathan Eades,
 Mr Paul Slater, Under Sheriff,
 Ann Elizabeth Fisher, (outgoing High Sheriff),
 Johnny Leavesley High Sheriff,
 Rev Cannon Dr Anthony Moore, Vice Dean of Lichfield

Sallie Blair
Better Times
Telephone 01283 821012
Mobile 07702 541401 
 Email sal@bettertimes.co.uk