Resident British Commissioner to St Lucia

Lesley Saunderson

Biography

Lesley has been Resident British Commissioner to St Lucia since June 2021. Her last posting was Deputy Ambassador to Cuba. Lesley has also served in Cambodia, Tanzania, Russia and India. Her last assignment in the UK was as Assistant Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary (2013 to 15).

Lesley had a career break from the FCDO from (2002 to 2008). She obtained a post-graduate degree (University of London). She then worked in Tanzania as a consultant on development and reform programmes, followed by an appointment as Governance Adviser embedded in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) for 2 years.

Resident British Commissioner to St Lucia

Deputy Head of Mission is a senior diplomat and typically a key advisor to the Ambassador or High Commissioner. The Deputy is responsible for the daily management of an overseas Embassy or High Commission. They will represent the UK’s interests in the absence of the Ambassador as Chargé d’Affaires. A senior ranking Deputy may also take the title Minister.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Previous roles in government

  • Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Havana