The first woman of Asian heritage to become a Lord Lieutenant in the UK has said she will serve people “regardless of their faith, colour or background”.
Prof Adeeba Malik will succeed Ed Anderson upon his retirement as Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire on 22 December after being appointed by King Charles III.
The ceremonial role entails being the King’s representative across West Yorkshire, which Professor Malik described as “a huge honour”.
She said: “My job is really making sure that I represent His Majesty the way he would want me to represent him across West Yorkshire.”
Born in Bradford, Prof Malik studied education at the University of Hull before returning home to teach at Wellington Middle School for two years in the early 1990s.
She joined Bradford-based charity QED Foundation in 1992 and is currently the deputy chief executive.
One of the standout moments of her career was being on the board that secured her home city’s successful bid to become the 2025 UK City of Culture.
“Having the chance to go for a bid of that kind and then winning it and delivering it has been really important to me personally, mainly because it’s about having something that the Bradford district can be very proud of,” she said.
She said that becoming the first woman of Asian heritage to become a Lord Lieutenant had been achieved “through hard work, passion, determination and wanting to serve”.
“Anything is possible,” added Prof Malik, who was also West Yorkshire’s first woman of Asian heritage to become a High Sheriff.
“We’re living in a country that is very much open to that and gives people the opportunities if they have the right qualities and attitude.
“I think that’s what’s been proven here.
“I’m hoping that, not just for the Asian community, but right across all our communities, it’s seen as a positive indication that we are the nation wanting to embrace different people to value public life.”
West Yorkshire Police’s chief constable John Robins said: “Adeeba worked very closely with the emergency services during her year as High Sheriff and I very much look forward to working with her in this new role.”
The appointment was also welcomed by the Bishop of Bradford, the Right Rev Toby Howarth, who said: “Adeeba has all the necessary qualities that will enable her to reach across all West Yorkshire communities and promote social cohesion.”
