The county of Somerset has welcomed four new Deputy Lieutenants who will assist the Lord-Lieutenant, the King’s representative in the region. The appointees are Professor Georgina Andrews, from Keynsham; Professor Trudi Grant, from West Buckland near Wellington; Lord Mark Sedwill GCMG, from Rimpton, near Yeovil; and Melanie Squires MBE, from Taunton.
Lord-Lieutenant Mohammed Saddiq expressed his pleasure in welcoming the new deputies, stating: "Our new Deputy Lieutenants bring a range of skills to the Lieutenancy and it is a pleasure to welcome them to their new roles. They will do a great deal to encourage, support and celebrate the lives and achievements of people and voluntary organisations in our county – and that is what the Lieutenancy is about. I look forward to working with them in the weeks and months ahead."
Professor Georgina Andrews, who has served as Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University since January 2025, brings a background in law and leadership of Business Schools. She is recognised for her student-centred approach and her commitment to breaking down educational barriers and fostering inclusive growth through universities as community anchors.
Professor Trudi Grant, an accomplished public health leader with over 35 years of experience in the NHS and Local Government, initially trained as a Sport and Exercise Scientist. She previously served as Director of Public Health for Somerset for 12 years, focusing on tackling inequalities and the determinants of health.
Lord Mark Sedwill GCMG, a Crossbench Peer and member of Parliament’s Joint Committee on National Security, holds significant roles as Chair of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and the Atlantic Future Forum (AFF). His extensive career includes service as Cabinet Secretary, Head of the Civil Service, and British Ambassador to Afghanistan.
Melanie Squires MBE, who began her career with the NFU SW team in 2002 and retired as Director of Regions, Membership and Business Services at the end of 2025, chairs the Great South West’s Food Security board and is a Leadership fellow for Exeter University. She was awarded an MBE for her services to Gloucestershire’s rural community and animal welfare.
