A Preston businesswoman is set to be named as Lancashire’s next high sheriff.
Ann Jordan is now High Sheriff in nomination for Lancashire and will take up the role following a ceremony at County Hall on April 18.
The mum-of-two, from Fulwood, will replace Preston businessman Jeremy Gorick and said she was ‘delighted’ to be chosen for the role.
She said: “I think the important thing clearly is to continue the good work Jeremy has been doing throughout the year and also to do as much community work as possible.
“Education, business and community work will be my main focus points.”
The origins of the office of high sheriff go back to Saxon times in the middle of the 10th Century, when the role was to maintain law and order and collect taxes for the monarchy.
In the past high sheriffs had many of the powers now held by Lord Lieutenants, High Court judges and magistrates, local authorities and coroners.
A new high sheriff is chosen annually in a meeting of the Privy Council and it is the custom for the Queen to prick the appointee’s name with a bodkin - a type of needle.
There are 55 high sheriffs serving in England and Wales.
Mrs Jordan’s formal duties will include attending any royal visits in the county and supporting High Court judges on duty in Lancashire.
The former St Ignatius Catholic School pupil is the director of a family business - a chain of builders merchants - and a founder and investor in a public relations company, Benetimo PR and Marketing.
Mrs Jordan is also a non-executive director of the Institute of Directors.
She said: “My name was put forward to Lord Shuttleworth, who is the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, and he then put my name forward.
“Generally you are aware you have been invited about two years prior, but of course you have to wait for the Queen to approve your name.”
Mr Gorick, a dad-of-two, also from Fulwood, said he had enjoyed the role.
He said: “It has been a superb 12 months. I focused particularly on raising money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation and we also ran a youth employment conference.
“I think youth unemployment is a massive issue and the great benefit of being the High Sheriff of Lancashire is you can get through doors that wouldn’t usually be open.
“A lot of people look at this job and they say ‘does it really matter?’ or ‘what does it mean?’ but the truth is it means a lot to the people you meet and those you can help.”
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