New Lord Lieutenant of Devon appointed

The next Lord Lieutenant of Devon has been appointed by the Queen.

Downing Street has announced that David Fursdon DL will replace Sir Eric Dancer when he retires on 17 April.

David’s career has spanned the civil service, teaching and surveying.  He farms in Mid-Devon and was CLA President after his term as Devon Chairman.  He is President of Devon Young Farmers and runs the SW Rural and Farming Network.

A keen sportsman, he played cricket for Devon and chaired the SW Board for the 2012 Olympic Games.

He is also a Crown Estate Commissioner and, as High Sheriff of Devon, made disaffected young people a particular focus of his shrieval year.

David said: “I am delighted and honoured to be asked to fulfil this role in my home county on behalf of Her Majesty.

“I hope to be able to engage with those who live and work in all parts of Devon and in the many different jobs and industries here.”

Sir Eric Dancer was appointed Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Devon, a Knight of Grace of the Order of St John and Justice of the Peace in 1998.

He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1991 for services to business and training and Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in the 2013 Birthday Honours for his work as Lord Lieutenant.

During his time as Lord Lieutenant he has hosted many visits by members of the Royal Family to Devon including HM The Queen’s visits to Exeter during her Golden and Diamond Jubilee tours.

Sir Eric said: “It has been an honour and pleasure to serve as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Devon for almost 17 years.  I have especially enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life and supporting the many charities with which I have been connected.”