News story

Change of British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone

Mr Peter West has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Sierra Leone.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

He will succeed Mr Ian Hughes, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr West will take up his appointment during February 2013.

Mr West’s first posting was to Argentina in 1980. He has since worked in a range of countries including New Zealand, Denmark, Thailand, Australia and most recently Nigeria.

On his appointment as British High Commissioner to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mr West has said “It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to work in Sierra Leone at this exciting and important time. The UK and Sierra Leone are the closest of friends. I look forward to building on the wide and strong range of bilateral ties, developing further our shared political, economic and security interests.”

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Peter West

Married to:

Julia West

Children:

One daughter and twin sons

Oct 2011 - present

Lagos, Deputy High Commissioner

Sept 2008 - Oct 2011 Abuja, Deputy High Commissioner

July 2004 - July 2008 Melbourne, Consul General

2000 - 2004

Bangkok, Deputy Head of Mission

1997 - 1999

FCO, Deputy Head, South Asian Department

1992 - 1997

Copenhagen, First Secretary (Political/EU)

1991 - 1992

FCO, Head of Section, Latin America Department

1989 - 1991

FCO, Desk Officer, Security Coordination Department

1986 - 1988

FCO, Desk Officer, Southern African Department

1984 - 1986

Auckland, Vice Consul (Commercial)

1980 - 1983

Buenos Aires, Third Secretary/Vice Consul

1977

Entered Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Published 9 November 2012