The Government has announced details of the process it has set up to identify candidates for the position of chief justice.

The current chief justice, Frank Clarke, is due to retire in October 2021, when he reaches 70.

• Jane Williams (Sia Partners), and

Expressions of interest

Under the plans, a three-member advisory committee will invite and consider expressions of interest in the position before making recommendations for consideration by the Government.

The committee comprises:

• Sir Declan Morgan, Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland,
• Jane Williams (Sia Partners), and
• Paul Gallagher SC, Attorney General.

Expressions of interest are now being invited from those eligible under section 5 of the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act 1961, as amended.

Those applying are being asked to include a statement of up to 1,500 words setting out how they meet the selection criteria, as well as a medical report demonstrating that they are suitable on the grounds of health to fulfil the duties of chief justice.

The deadline is 1pm on 6 May.