Dr Ruby Bhatti OBE DL has been formally declared High Sheriff of West Yorkshire for 2026–2027, becoming the first South Asian solicitor to hold the role in the county.
The Office of High Sheriff is one of the oldest secular roles in the UK, supporting the judiciary, upholding the rule of law, and strengthening links between the justice system and local communities.
Dr Bhatti, who specialises in family and immigration law, has pledged to champion the work of the judiciary, emergency services, voluntary organisations and youth initiatives across the county during her year in office.
Her appointment is particularly notable as it coincides with the tenure of the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, meaning that, for the first time, both of the county’s most senior ceremonial roles are held by females of South Asian heritage.
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