An author and GP specialising in women’s health has been appointed as Deputy Lieutenant for Buckinghamshire by Lord-Lieutenant, Countess Howe.

Dr Nighat Arif, a GP, health content creator and author, was appointed Deputy Lieutenant by Elizabeth Curzon, Countess Howe, on Friday, March 8.

Alongside running her own private practice, Dr Nighat is the resident doctor on BBC Breakfast and ITV This Morning and the Ambassador of Wellbeing for Women.

She formed The Health Collective in partnership with Dame Lesley Regan to promote equitable healthcare access in September 2023 and published her debut book The Knowledge: Your guide to female health from Menstruation to the Menopause last August.

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In her new role, Dr Nighat will join 28 others to support the work of the county’s Lord-Lieutenant and promote the wellbeing of people across Buckinghamshire, acting as “the eyes and ears” of the Lieutenancy in local communities.

Lady Howe said: “The appointment of Dr Nighat Arif as Deputy Lieutenant of the county comes with my warmest wishes to her for a successful and rewarding period in office.

“Nighat brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to serving the community and has so much to offer the county. I look forward to working with her for the benefit of our communities.”