FIRST BLACK HIGH SHERIFF APPOINTED TO MONMOUTHSHIRE, SAYS MP

MONMOUTH MP David Davies has reacted with surprise to news that a community worker from Bristol has become Britain's first black High Sheriff.

Peaches Golding will take the ceremonial office of Bristol's High Sheriff in March 2010. It has been widely reported that Mrs Golding is the first person of African descent to take up the post, which was created 1,000 years ago. However, Mr Davies was quick to point out that this honour belongs to a former Sheriff of Monmouthshire.

"Anyone who has any interest in these matters will know that Nathaniel Wells became Britain's first black sheriff when he was appointed Sheriff of Monmouthshire and Deputy Lieutenant of the county in 1818," said Mr Davies.

"Mr Wells also served as a magistrate and moved easily in high society around the county, suggesting that in spite of the current obsession with ‘diversity', Britain has always extended a welcome to talented people with something to contribute.

"I will be writing to Mrs Golding to congratulate her on her new role, but will politely point out that Monmouthshire was actually 190 years ahead of Bristol in appointing a black High Sheriff.

"One would hope that historical accuracy is not going to be scarified on the alter of political correctness in order to allow someone to gain a headline".