Kent Messenger Group President and Deputy Lieutenant Edwin Boorman talks to Lord Lieutenant Allan Willett about the aims of his Lieutenancy and the team he trusts to see them put into action.

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WHEN he became Lord Lieutenant in 2002, Allan Willett set himself some simple aims: to provide a focus for county identity, unity and pride; give a sense of stability; recognise achievements, success and excellence; and promote service to others, particularly through public service and the voluntary sector.

As he puts it: "Our aspiration is to celebrate Kent, its unique history and culture – as the nation’s 'Frontline County' – serve its communities, and contribute positively to its future."

To help fulfil those aims Allan Willett has a talented county-wide team of Deputy Lieutenants – unpaid, like him – including everyone from business leaders to former military officers and public servants, doctors, diplomats, farmers and many others.

An example of his new approach is that the latest recruits included Kent Scout Commissioner Kelvin Holford, social care expert Mrs Nadra Ahmed, Hornby chief executive Frank Martin, and musician Jools Holland.

From the start he made it clear that he did not regard the Lieutenancy as being about a single person. "What we needed to do was to make full use of the drive, energy and knowhow that existed within the 64 Deputies I was able to have – around one per 25,000 of Kent’s population.

"We needed to continue changing the gender and ethnic representation and to use the Deputy Lieutenants to carry out many of the extra commitments that would happen once you are supporting a growing number of organisations in the county.

"All Deputies represent the Lieutenancy in their particular area, so that we are all fully briefed on what is happening from Margate to Medway and from Sevenoaks to Sheppey.

"I also asked for appropriate DLs to be aware of what is happening in sectors across the county such as the rural economy, education, sport and so on – not in any way doing the job that Kent County Council, Medway Unitary or the district and borough councils do – but looking for opportunities for royal and community visits, Queen’s awards, and other ways in which the Lieutenancy might make a positive contribution."

Is the Lieutenancy actually able to achieve anything without becoming involved in politics and controversy?

"It takes something of a skill to make sure you don’t get drawn into politics and controversy, but one of the great strengths of the Lieutenancy is that it is totally apolitical and the only axe it has to grind is serving all Kent’s communities, no matter what their political, religious or ethnic backgrounds.

"The Lieutenancy takes part in a great variety of events, from cadet camps to award presentations, and citizenship ceremonies to charity functions. They also play an active part in encouraging volunteering, and one of many success stories has been the improved recruitment of new magistrates.

"Last year, with the great help of my Vice Lord Lieutenant Viscount De L’Isle and the Deputies who have done a wonderful job, we handled 600 different commitments throughout the county," he said.

The Lord Lieutenant himself is president or patron of a score of Kent-based organisations. His one regret is that earlier this year after launching the £50 million Save Canterbury Cathedral campaign he had to stand down as Trust Chairman on medical advice.

He said: "What I have is atrial fibrillation which affects a lot of men of my age. It means that you can’t control the speed of your heart, which beats too fast and saps your energy level.

"Let me be very frank about this, I really in a way had a choice. If I was going to go on and complete the work I’d started with the Lieutenancy for the next four-and-a-half years I couldn’t do that and also head up the Save Canterbury Cathedral Campaign.

"I have always loved that wonderful Cathedral and it was a terrible blow to me – and the first challenge I’ve ever had to turn down. However, I’m delighted to be able to continue as a non-executive trustee."

Nevertheless, Allan Willett ensured that the campaign took off successfully initially raising some £6.5million and with a plan in place to carry it forward. His own charitable foundation is giving £500,000 to the campaign fund and he has also established a charitable trust that will further benefit the Cathedral in the future.

"The excellent treatment I am receiving for the condition will enable me to continue to do justice to my primary role as Lord Lieutenant until I retire at 75."