Lord Belstead, the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, is to retire at the end of the year after eight years service as the Queen's representative in the county.

Lord Belstead, the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, is to retire at the end of the year after eight years service as the Queen's representative in the county.

Lord Belstead was appointed Lord Lieutenant in January 1994, having been a Deputy Lieutenant since 1979.

The present Vice Lord Lieutenant, Lord Tollemache, will automatically stand down when Lord Belstead retires, although he is eligible for reappointment.