2005 QC hopefuls face six month delay

The names of new silks for 2005 are not expected to be announced until next Autumn.
Traditionally, new Queen's Counsel have been appointed in April.
Hopefuls will now though be given until Easter to make their applications.
The Bar Council insists these are still provisional dates as ultimately the timetable will be determined by an independent selection panel.
The Bar Council is working with the Law Society and the Department of Constitutional Affairs to devise the nature of the new silk appointment system. The final decision on which barristers should be given silk will be down to the independent selection panel, which will be comprised of lawyers, judges and lay members.