THE process of finding a replacement for former Worcestershire Lord Lieutenant Michael Brinton must be open and transparent.

That’s the message from the county council’s Labour group which has voiced concern that Mr Brinton’s replacement will be found without the job being advertised freely.

Mr Brinton, who served as the Queen’s representative in the county from 2001, died last month, aged 70, after a four-year battle with cancer.

The process of finding a lord lieutenant has always been largely hidden away from the public with the eventual post holder recommended to the Queen by the Prime Minister.

Mr Cameron will make his recommendation based on advice from a Cabinet Office representative who will interview leading community figures in Worcestershire about likely candidates before drawing up a shortlist.

But Councillor Richard Udall wants a more open process and is calling for the role to be properly advertised and available to anyone who wants to apply.

“The process of recruitment needs to be open and transparent, especially if the taxpayers of the county are going to continue to pay for the post,” he said.

“In the 21st century it should be recognised that any person in our county has the right to aspire to hold such a post.

“People from all walks of life and all backgrounds should be treated equally – we need assurances that the best person for the job will be appointed.

“We always held Mr Brinton with great respect. His hard work, dedication and loyalty were without question.”

A letter outlining Coun Udall’s concerns has been sent to Trish Haines, chief executive of the county council, who could be one of those consulted on possible candidates by the Cabinet Office.

MPs, other leading politicians, church leaders, magistrates, academics, health service leaders and people in industry could also be among those asked for an opinion.

Coun Gordon Yarranton, vice-chairman of the county council, is another who could be consulted.

“The system has worked well in the past because look at Michael Brinton, he was brilliant – whoever takes over has a very difficult job. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said.

The process for finding the recommended candidate is based on guidelines provided by the Ministry of Justice.

A ministry spokesman said: “The Government is committed to the principles of diversity and has sought to widen the pool from which new lord lieutenants are drawn, while still nominating on merit.

“Hence the views of a wide range of representative people are sought.”