THE HIGH SHERIFF ' S ROUND UP
THE HIGH SHERIFF ' S ROUND UP
We’ re honoured to welcome The High Sheriff of Merseyside, Billy Hui, as a regular columnist in our magazine. Billy will be sharing an inside look at his role, the events he attends, and the incredible people and organisations he meets along the way. With his passion for community, culture, and connection, Billy’ s column will give readers a unique glimpse into the life of Merseyside’ s High Sheriff and the positive impact happening across our region.
What is a High Sheriff? This is overwhelmingly the most frequently asked question that I have been posed since my installation as High Sheriff of Merseyside on 24th April 2025 at The Floral Pavilion Theatre New Brighton.
The official line is that for my Shrieval year, I am His Majesty The King’ s representative in all matters of Law and Order on Merseyside across the boroughs of Wirral, Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens. There are historical links with the judiciary and also The Police which nowadays includes all blue light and emergency services. The role of High Sheriff goes back to Saxon times and is over 1000 years old and the position used to carry a lot of power. The most famous High Sheriff was the Sheriff of Nottingham and I am sure you know the stories of Robin Hood through books or film. In more recent times and up to the present day, the role is ceremonial with a few traditions that are still practiced. This will include arranging the annual Judge’ s Service to mark the beginning of the legal year plus entertaining visiting High Court Judges when they are working in our county.
Influence but no power. The ancient High Sheriff powers have disappeared over the centuries but that does not mean we do not have influence. In reality, and on a day to day basis, the role carries respect and helps to open doors in many circumstances. The position of High Sheriff in all counties of England and Wales is voluntary and we do not receive expenses of any kind for any part of the role. However, there is so much to be enjoyed. Along with my Consort Kerry Berrisford, we have already undertaken over 60 engagements since April. This has included visiting local communities, churches and charities plus attending Royal visits to our area, conducting business meetings to expand the network
of contacts and also to create important inks for the benefit of the people of Merseyside. I have even undertaken an inspection of The Duke of Lancaster’ s Regiment when they received the freedom of the borough of St Helens! It has been rewarding to say the least.
There’ s simply not enough time. We only have 12 months to make a positive difference to our local area and we have already said that it is not enough time! The one consolation is that all High Sheriffs who are selected will have very similar mindsets, ethos and passion for Merseyside so there will be continuity over the years.
And yes, we are selected. You cannot apply for or buy this role. In fact, Merseyside is part of the Duchy of Lancaster and High Sheriffs are selected by King Charles III in a ceremony called the Pricking of The Lites when the bodkin of Elizabeth I is used to pierce the name of the incoming High Sheriff on a scroll at Buckingham Palace.
Onwards and upwards. The momentum has already been created and we are more than happy to maintain this and input as much as we can for the benefit of our local area. During this Shrieval year, I am continuing my work in BBC Local Radio, with my choir SingMe Merseyside and my other roles hosting events and entertaining audiences. This is the first High Sheriff’ s column in Wirral Life Magazine and in the following months it will be a joy to showcase our journey and more importantly the people of our fantastic local area.
Billy Hui BEM DL High Sheriff of Merseyside 2025 / 26
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