Former RAF head is the new Lieutenant Governor

Tuesday 12 April 2016

The Queen has appointed Jersey's new Lieutenant Governor who will take up office early next year.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, a former head of the RAF, will start his five-year term after His Excellency General Sir John McColl retires in November.

Sir Stephen Dalton GCB LLD (Hon) DSc (Hon) BSc FRAeS CCMI is a former Royal Air Force pilot who flew the Jaguar fighter on three tours during the height of the Cold War. He commanded the RAF's Jaguar Force for two years and was later appointed as director of the Eurofighter (Typhoon) programme assurance group in the Ministry of Defence.

He was later appointed to the position of Capability Manager for Information Superiority and in April 2004 was appointed Controller Aircraft on the Air Force Board. 

Sir Stephen was chosen to be the strategic personnel director for the Royal Air Force in May 2007 and appointed Chief of Air Staff in July 2009. He stood down from this role after a highly demanding, extended and successful tour in July 2013.

He is married to Anne and is a dad of two who enjoys sports, theatre and history. He and Lady Dalton have been regular visitors to the Island, especially during the Jersey International Air Display.

Sir Stephen said: "I am honoured and delighted to have been appointed by Her Majesty as the next Lieutenant Governor of the Bailiwick of Jersey. The people of Jersey have always made my wife and I most welcome during our visits to the Island over many years and we look forward greatly to working with and living amongst all of the residents in the years ahead.

Jersey's Bailiff William Bailhache said: "I am very pleased indeed that Sir Stephen Dalton is to be appointed as the Island's next Lieutenant Governor and I very much look forward to him taking office in the first quarter of next year. 

"He has had a highly distinguished military career in the Royal Air Force, and I know that he and Lady Dalton will receive a very warm Jersey welcome from the local community when they arrive.

"I have no doubt they will find their time in Jersey to be both enjoyable and rewarding."

"Once I take up the appointment, I would intend to meet as many of the Jersey people as possible and by listening to and learning from them, to share productively in the life of this jewel in the Channel Islands."