Posted on Tuesday 15th April 2025
Liz Barnes CBE, outside County Buildings in Stafford
With HM The King’s approval, Professor Elizabeth (Liz) Barnes CBE has been announced as the new Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire.
She will take up her new role on 15 July 2025, when Sir Ian Dudson retires from the post, having reached the age of 75.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire is the King’s representative for the county and oversees Royal visits, Honours investitures and the presentation of awards, as well as numerous other activities on behalf of the King.
Professor Barnes spent most of her working life in education, concluding her full-time career as Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Staffordshire. She was also a Board Member for Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, where she chaired the skills group. In 2020, she was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for Staffordshire.
Talking about the announcement, Liz said:
“It’s a huge honour to represent our King in the county of Staffordshire where I was born and raised.
“I am blessed to be able to build on the great work and achievements of Sir Ian Dudson who has been Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire since 2012. I will also be supported by an amazing team of Deputy Lieutenants.
“I have been fortunate to previously occupy the role of Vice Chancellor of Staffordshire University, where I was able to contribute to the education of our communities and work with a number of organisations across the county that support our cultural, social and economic well-being. This role provides me with an opportunity to build on the relationships that I have already formed and to meet so many more people across all types of organisations.
“I look forward to continuing to work with our businesses, volunteers and communities, recognising and celebrating the work that they do to improve, grow, encourage and create opportunities.”
Sir Ian Dudson was appointed Lord-Lieutenant in 2012 and became a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in The King’s New Year Honours in 2025.
Sir Ian said:
“I am delighted that Elizabeth Barnes is to be the next Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire and I am sure that she will represent The King in the County very well.
“As a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Staffordshire, she already has significant experience of engaging with many parts of our communities. This, coupled with her involvement with several other organisations, locally and nationally, provides her with very solid foundations on which to take on this role. I wish her every success.”
Liz added:
“Our county is made up of urban and rural areas. King Charles is a keen supporter of rural and farming communities; he has supported thousands of young people through the Prince’s Trust and he is committed to building sustainable communities. This county is made up of diverse and active communities doing so much good work and I know that together we can continue to transform lives.”