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Pritpal Singh Nagi stepped into his new role as the Staffordshire county’s High Sheriff. The appointment itself is not political, but the moment carried attention because he is the first Sikh to take on the position in the county.
The official ceremony took place on Monday that marked the start of Nagi’s one-year term as High Sheriff of Staffordshire. The day began with a traditional procession from Stafford’s Crown Court to St Mary’s Church in Stafford, a route used for ceremonial openings of the legal calendar.
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Once at the church, a service was held to formally welcome him into office. The High Sheriff role is a royal appointment, and it is not connected to party politics. It is a voluntary and independent position that supports courts, police, and community services across the county.
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The service formed part of the Crown Court calendar, but this year it also included something different: elements that reflected Sikh tradition alongside the usual Anglican setting.
Nagi, a Staffordshire-based entrepreneur and civic figure, is known locally for his work in business and charity. According to the High Sheriff of Staffordshire website, he has been awarded an MBE for sustained contributions to the regional economy and charitable activities. He is also a father of three and grandfather of four.
“I was literally emotional”
The moment that seemed to stay with Nagi most was not the formal appointment itself, but the number of people who showed up.
Speaking after the ceremony, he described the scene in simple terms. “It was pretty emotional to see all the people who came and supported me,” he said.
What stood out to him was not just attendance, but the mix of people present. He said he had not seen the church so full before, and especially not with such a combination of different faiths and community groups in the same space.
“I don’t think I’ve seen so many people coming to this church before, especially two different faiths, groups of people,” he said. “I was just amazed, and I was literally emotional.”
Sikh and Christian elements shared in one service
This year’s ceremony was shaped by a noticeable shift in how the service was conducted. While the High Sheriff tradition is linked to the Crown Court and Anglican church settings, Sikh spiritual elements were also included in the programme.
Sacred Sikh verses such as the Mool Mantar were recited during the service. Shabad Kirtan was also performed.
Sikh representation during the service was supported by figures including Giani Tejinder Singh, who took part in delivering the Sikh prayers and spiritual elements.
Christian leaders and Sikh representatives shared the same platform during the service, which created a joint religious setting rather than separate observances.
Focus on “living together” and work with young offenders
Beyond ceremony and symbolism, Nagi used the occasion to speak about what he sees as the purpose of having a Sikh in this role at this time.
He said the position gives him an opportunity to communicate with the public about Sikhism and wider ideas of community life. His message centred on coexistence in a diverse country.
“I want to educate and give a bit of knowledge to the public and the people in the country that we all need to live together,” he told the media.
He described the United Kingdom as one of the most diverse places in the world, pointing out the presence of multiple religions and cultures. He spoke in simple terms about daily interaction between communities.
“The UK is one of the most diverse countries in the world – we have, I don’t know how many different religions,” he said. “We live together, we work together, we eat together, we talk together, and we sit together.”
He also said the appointment could be used as a way to explain Sikhism to people who may not be familiar with it, rather than treating it as a purely ceremonial role.
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For his year in office, he said he plans to focus on bringing different religious communities together to understand each other’s work and activities. Alongside this, he mentioned a specific social aim connected to rehabilitation.
“At the same time I want to help and support, if I can, young offenders when they come out from prisons,” he said.
The High Sheriff role itself involves supporting the judiciary and assisting public and community services in an independent capacity. It does not hold executive power, but it connects civic institutions, courts, and community organisations.
Nagi’s appointment also adds to his existing public service record. He has previously served as a Deputy Lieutenant, a ceremonial position supporting the Lord-Lieutenant, and has been involved in business and charitable networks across Staffordshire.
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