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Sir John Thomas named as next lord chief justice Sir John Thomas named as next lord chief justice
(2 months later)
Sir John Thomas, president of the queen's bench division, is to become the next lord chief justice of England and Wales, Downing Street has confirmed.Sir John Thomas, president of the queen's bench division, is to become the next lord chief justice of England and Wales, Downing Street has confirmed.
The 65-year-old will succeed Lord Judge, who has held the role for the past five years and steps down at the end of September. The post commands a salary of £239,845 a year.The 65-year-old will succeed Lord Judge, who has held the role for the past five years and steps down at the end of September. The post commands a salary of £239,845 a year.
Thomas is believed to have edged ahead of two rivals, Lord Justice Leveson – who conducted the public inquiry into press standards following the phone hacking scandal – and Lady Justice Hallett, who chaired the inquiry into the 7/7 bombings.Thomas is believed to have edged ahead of two rivals, Lord Justice Leveson – who conducted the public inquiry into press standards following the phone hacking scandal – and Lady Justice Hallett, who chaired the inquiry into the 7/7 bombings.
The judicial appointments commission carries out the selection process, passing its recommendation on to the justice secretary, Chris Grayling, who then refers his recommendation to the prime minister.The judicial appointments commission carries out the selection process, passing its recommendation on to the justice secretary, Chris Grayling, who then refers his recommendation to the prime minister.
There had been speculation that Hallett would be the first ever female lord chief justice. The main criteria for appointing judges is on merit. Applicants had to write a 2,000-word essay and give an impromptu presentation.There had been speculation that Hallett would be the first ever female lord chief justice. The main criteria for appointing judges is on merit. Applicants had to write a 2,000-word essay and give an impromptu presentation.
Thomas said: "I will endeavour to maintain confidence in the judiciary, its reputation and its high standards of integrity and impartiality.Thomas said: "I will endeavour to maintain confidence in the judiciary, its reputation and its high standards of integrity and impartiality.
"Although in a time of reduced resources significant change must continue, the judiciary will play its leading part in ensuring that justice is delivered fairly and efficiently. It will continue to become more reflective of our diverse society.""Although in a time of reduced resources significant change must continue, the judiciary will play its leading part in ensuring that justice is delivered fairly and efficiently. It will continue to become more reflective of our diverse society."
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