His Worship High Bailiff John Needham has been appointed as Her Majesty’s Second Deemster in the Isle of Man, the Island’s third most senior judge.
His Worship John Needham has served as the Island’s High Bailiff since 2010, having previously been appointed as Clerk to the Justices in the Isle of Man in 1999. Prior to this he had worked for five years as a solicitor dealing with both civil and criminal litigation in London.
He will succeed Deemster Andrew Corlett who was appointed as Her Majesty’s First Deemster and Clerk of the Rolls in September 2018.
The appointment is made by Her Majesty The Queen, based on a recommendation made by a local selection panel, following an open recruitment process.
The Second Deemster assists the First Deemster in respect of judicial, administration, ceremonial and other duties assigned to the Second Deemster by the First Deemster.
The Isle of Man prides itself on its values of democracy, good government and the importance of the rule of law. The judiciary is a key component in delivering these values and in maintaining the Island’s international reputation.
High Bailiff Needham said he was delighted to receive news of his appointment as Second Deemster and looked forward to continuing to work closely in this office with Deemster Corlett and the other members of the Isle of Man Judiciary and court staff in administering justice in an open, cost-effective and transparent way – as is expected in a modern and mature society.
The Lieutenant Governor, Sir Richard Gozney, said:
'I welcome The Queen’s appointment of High Bailiff Needham as Second Deemster to succeed His Honour Andrew Corlett. The High Bailiff is well respected.'
The official swearing in of Second Deemster will now be arranged.
Applications are now being invited for the role of High Bailiff, with a deadline for applications of Wednesday 9 January 2019 at 5pm.
