Tristan da Cunha Administrator

The current Tristan da Cunha Administrator is Sean Burns who arrived with his wife Marina on 30th November 2022. Sean was sworn in as Administrator during a ceremony in the Council Chamber on 1st December 2022, taking over from Chief Islander and Acting Administrator James Glass.

Chief Islander James Glass (right) congratulates Administrator Sean Burns
during the swaring-in ceremony on 1st December 2022 in the Tristan da Cunha Council Chamber.

It is very fortunate for the island that Sean Burns is available to stand-in as Administrator as his predessor Jason Ivory departed at short notice on 4th November 2022 after only a few weeks in post. (see Change of Tristan da Cunha Administrator)

Sean is the longest-serving Tristan Administrator, having served two previous terms: 2010-2013 and 2016-2020. He completed his post as Administrator of Ascension Island on 6th November and agreed to travel to Tristan to act as temporary administrator until the FCDO can appoint a successor.

The Administrator

The Administrator of Tristan da Cunha acts as President of the Island Council and Chairs the Heads of Department Meeting. Administrators are employed by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

This photograph shows The Residency - home for the resident Administrator, often used to host Receptions on various special occasions. See below for archive photo of the Residency in 2005.

Pictured left is the Flag of the Tristan da Cunha Administrator which was assigned in a proclamation made on 20th October 2002 by Governor Hollamby under a Royal Warrant granted by Her Majesty the Queen.

It consists of a Union Flag with a white disc edged with a gold ring under a garland of laurel and containing the full Armorial Ensigns of the Territory.

The flag is to be used in the presence of the Administrator, or acting Administrator, on land and at sea.