§ The Prime MinisterThe normal age of retirement for lord lieutenants is 75 although lords lieutenant may retire before that. I believe that, under the Royal Prerogative, it would be possible for the appointment of a lord lieutenant to be ended before retirement, but I am not aware that this has ever been done in recent times.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Prime Minister what criteria are used to ensure that appointments of lords lieutenant are not political. [158364]
§ The Prime MinisterLords lieutenant are appointed under current legislation by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister of the day, following consultations locally and, where appropriate, with the relevant Secretary of State or First Minister. In four Scottish cities each Lord Provost becomes lord lieutenant by virtue of office. Those appointed as lords lieutenant are people of standing in their local communities, most frequently on account of their record of voluntary activity for the good of the community.
Lords lieutenant are specifically advised that, as Her Majesty's representatives, they should stand aloof from politics in their respective counties or areas and should not, therefore, take part in political activities or hold office 21W in political party organisations in their counties or areas. Lords lieutenant are also advised that participation in national political activity may risk their position of impartiality locally.