A new Deputy Lieutenant of the County has been appointed by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, The Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO.

Louise Cooper of Haslingden, Rossendale, has been involved with scouting for the last 35 years and is currently the district commissioner for Rossendale as well as being the centre manager at Crawshawbooth Community Association.

Since 2014, she has also been a trustee for the community charity, Kids in Rossendale, raising money for underprivileged children.

In 2020, Mrs Cooper was awarded the British Empire Medal in The Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to children and young people in Rossendale.

Lord Shuttleworth said: "I am delighted that Mrs Cooper has agreed to join the Lieutenancy and will be available to support me and help with the many organisations and people with which the Lieutenancy works."

Mrs Cooper will join the existing team of deputies who help and support the Lord-Lieutenant in his duties as Her Majesty The Queen’s representative in the county of Lancashire.

The Office of Lord-Lieutenant is military in origin and dates from the reign of Henry VIII when the holder was responsible for the maintenance of order and for military purposes relating to local defence.

Lord-Lieutenants are Her Majesty’s personal representative in a county or area.

Their prime duty is to uphold the dignity of the Crown, through the following functions:

  • Arranging visits by Members of The Royal family and escorting Royal visitors;
  • Presentation of medals and awards on behalf of Her Majesty (such as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise);
  • Participation in civic, voluntary and social activities with the Lieutenancy;
  • Liaison with local units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force and their associated cadet forces;
  • Leading the local magistracy by chairing the Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace.

The function of a Deputy Lieutenant is to assist the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out his public duties.

Further information on the role of Deputy Lieutenants may also be obtained from the Lancashire Lieutenancy Office at County Hall (01772) 533364.