Phillip Sykes announced as High Sheriff of Hampshire

Phillip Sykes has been announced as the new High Sheriff for Hampshire.

It is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year.

The origins of the office date back to Saxon times, when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible for maintaining law and order within the shire, or county.

In the past, it also involved collecting taxes due to the Crown.

However, the role has evolved with High Sheriffs today typically supporting crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and the voluntary sector.

There are 55 High Sheriffs serving the counties of England and Wales each year.

He was sworn in by the Honourable Mrs Johannah Justice Cutts during a ceremony at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday,.

Commenting, Phillip said: “I am enormously looking forward to my year as High Sheriff and, like the rest of the country, am hoping that the end of lockdown is in sight so that I can fulfil the role to the best of my ability. It is a tremendous privilege to support the Crown and judiciary across Hampshire and to lend my support across our vibrant and diverse communities.”

Phillip moved to Hampshire in 1995 and now lives with his wife Caroline in Steventon - Jane Austen’s birthplace.

He is a chartered accountant and currently works as a senior consultant with the restructuring advisory group at RSM Southampton.

Meanwhile, Caroline works as a GP in Basingstoke.

The couple have three grown-up children who live in London.

Phillip is a trustee of several local charities, including the Brendoncare Foundation which runs ten care homes in the South of England.

The High Sheriff is the Sovereign’s representative in the County for all matters relating to the Judiciary and the maintenance of law and order.

Each High Sheriff will approach their year differently, but their responsibilities include supporting the Lord Lieutenant on royal visits and on other occasions when appropriate.

High Sheriffs receive no pay, and their expenses are not paid by the public.