Biography: The Sheriff of York
Left to right, the Sword Bearer, The Sheriff of York Mr Paul Doughty, the Mace Bearer
Mr Paul Doughty is the Sheriff of York for the civic year 2025 to 2025, and has prepared the following summary of his life and career to date.
Born in Middlesbrough but a true Yorkie at heart, I moved to the city as a child with my parents and younger brother in 1979 and I have never looked back. Proud son of a Dutch mother who settled in England before I was born and a Geordie father with ancestors also hailing from York, my roots blend Yorkshire Northern grit with equally European directness.
Educated at Our Lady’s Primary School in Acomb and Nunthorpe Grammar, which became Millthorpe while I was there with the change in system to Comprehensive in the 1980s, I grew up embracing community spirit in Foxwood, also living in Clifton, Huntington and for the last 18 years, in Strensall.
Though I retired from my main career on the Railways after 28 years’ service at the beginning of 2023, my passion for public service kicked off much earlier. I served as a City Councillor, representing Strensall ward from 2011 to 2023, before swapping jobs recovering the train service for a gentler pace and have been working part-time at Browns - York’s family-owned independent Retailer.
During my 12 years on the council, which included chairing the city’s health scrutiny committee for over eight years, I tackled local issues with pragmatism and heart. Known for working collaboratively, I always put residents first - whether fighting for better services or listening at community meetings.
A lifelong York City FC fan, I’ve been cheering on the Minstermen since childhood. A season ticket holder for decades, I’m there rain or shine - shouting hoarse from the stands, just like I did as a kid. At the time of writing, York City have been reinvigorated with new leadership, a battling team with talent to match and have a place confirmed in the play-offs at the very least. I long for the club to return to the football league, “where we belong."
Now, as York’s new Sheriff and with my partner David as Consort, I’m ready to serve the city I love again with the same energy.
"It’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in.
Here’s to the next chapter!
Also see
The Civic Office
Civic Services