New Surrey High Sheriff takes post for second time

Shahid Azeem has been confirmed as the High Sheriff for the second time

Surrey's High Sheriff for the year is taking up the role for the second time.

Shahid Azeem was High Sheriff for the first time in 2020, but since he was limited in the role due to the pandemic he has been confirmed to take the position again in 2024-25.

The role, which sees the High Sheriff work with and support the emergency services, is one of 55 across England and Wales.

He was chosen for the position by both the late Queen Elizabeth II and by King Charles III.

The ceremony for choosing a High Sheriff includes centuries of tradition.

In it, the King uses a brass bodkin to "prick" the name of the High Sheriff for the following year from three that are submitted.

Mr Azeem went to school in Park Barn, Guildford, and said he was expelled after facing "racism, bigotry and unfairness".

He left school with no qualifications but wanted to become a footballer.

While he went on to a career in IT, Mr Azeem is the chairman of Aldershot Town Football Club.

He said his aims as High Sheriff were highlighting the importance of multi-faith groups working together, increasing members of the BAME community joining Surrey Police and working with the judiciary and police to highlight charities in the county that are not on the radar.

Mr Azeem added: “I very much look forward to visiting charities and community organisations in the county and meeting the people who make Surrey the wonderful county that it is.

"I am grateful for what Surrey has offered me and made me – a part of the fabric of Surrey’s society.

"I am now being given the opportunity to play my part in supporting and strengthening that society.”