Commissioner for the British Antarctic Territory

The Commissioner for the British Antarctic Territory, is the head of government of the British Antarctic Territory, a British Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. The commissioner is appointed by the monarch of the United Kingdom on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Commissioner for the British Antarctic Territory
Coat of arms of the British Antarctic Territory
Standard of the commissioner
since August 2024
AppointerCharles III
as King of the United Kingdom
Term lengthAt His Majesty's pleasure
Inaugural holderEdwin Porter Arrowsmith
Merrick Baker-Bates
First Commissioner
DeputyJane Rumble
Deputy Commissioner

History

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Prior to 1962, the area was a part of the Falkland Islands Dependencies and as such was administered by the Governor of the Falkland Islands.[1] The British Antarctic Territory was established as a separate British overseas territory in 1962.[2] From 1962 to 1990, the Governor of the Falkland Islands also held the office of high commissioner for the territory. In 1990, administration of the BAT was transferred to a separate commissioner based in London. Since 1998, the commissioner of the BAT has also served as Commissioner of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

List of high commissioners and commissioners

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High commissioners (1962-1990)

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During this time also served as the Governor of the Falkland Islands

Commissioners (1990-present)

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These are non-resident and based in London. Since 1998, has also served as Commissioner of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "History of the Territory". British Antarctic Territory. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  2. ^ "About the Territory". British Antarctic Territory. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  3. ^ "Paul Candler". GOV.UK. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  4. ^ "Who We Are". British Antarctic Territory. Retrieved 1 October 2024.