Selection commission launched to find next President of UK Supreme Court

Lord Reed will retire from the Court in January 2027. 

Announcing the selection commission, the Supreme Court said: “The President is the most senior judge in the UK, and must have the highest legal standing, commanding the confidence of the Justices, the judiciary and the legal profession.

“The selection commission is looking for candidates who can demonstrate outstanding intellectual and legal ability sufficient to preside over the Supreme Court and the JCPC [Judicial Committee of the Privy Council], the ability and experience to engage with members of the executive, Parliament, and the devolved governments on the basis of mutual respect and comity between branches of the state, and with the media and professional and other bodies, representing the Court with authority.

“The President must have excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively and build rapport with the public and individuals from diverse backgrounds.”

The selection commission comprises:

• Colm Donaghy, Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission
• Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales
• Lord Lloyd-Jones, Justice of the UK Supreme Court
• Dr Uchechi Igbokwe, Judicial Appointments Commission, England and Wales
• Lindsay Montgomery, Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland

Applications will close at 5 pm on 17 April 2026.