New chair for judicial appointments panel

The Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, yesterday (5 April) announced that Sir Nigel Wicks, formerly chair of the committee on Standards in Public Life, will chair the selection panel for new judicial appointments commissioners.

Wicks replaces Dame Rennie Fritchie in the role. Dame Rennie was appointed in April 2004, but has since had her tenure as Commissioner for Public Appointments extended, so is unable to take up her position on the panel.

In a long public service career, Wicks has held a variety of roles including principal private secretary to Margaret Thatcher from 1985-1988. He completed his term of office as chair of the committee on Standards in Public Life last year.

Wicks will be joined on the selection panel for judicial appointments commissioners by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf, and another member who will be selected by Wicks.