Sumption quits race for seat in Supreme Court
Brick Court’s Jonathan Sumption QC has withdrawn his application to join the Supreme Court.
The Lawyer revealed in February that Sumption (pictured) had applied for a position in the country’s top court, but Brick Court has kept silent on the issue until now.
In a statement released today the set said: “In view of the press speculation about Jonathan Sumption QC’s candidature for the current vacancy on the Supreme Court, he wishes to say that he was a candidate but has withdrawn his application.
“He will continue to practise at the Bar.”
It is understood that Sumption’s application had been met with hostility by judiciary in the Court of Appeal who felt it was unfair for him to be propelled straight into a top position without working his way up the judiciary.
There is now one remaining position available at the Supreme Court. It is believed that Lord Justice Rix and Lord Justice Dyson are among the remaining candidates.
Supreme Court president Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers chairs the appointments committee.
Readers' comments (4)
Anonymous | 10-Dec-2009 4:51 pm
Well, he's no chump, is he. Who'd be silly enough to give up what he earns for a paltry salary?
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Anonymous | 10-Dec-2009 8:21 pm
Congratulations LJJ Dyson, Rix or whoever who will forever be whispered about as second best?
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Rural bliss | 11-Dec-2009 1:14 am
He's probably like many of us who have earned far more than we could ever want or expect to spend, so that the level of one's income is no longer relevant and it's the nature of the work that is the motivation.
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Anonymous | 11-Dec-2009 9:50 am
It is good news for solicitors everywhere (who want access to the best counsel) that the envious jobsworths in the Court of Appeal have put their "Buggins' Turn" philosophy above picking the best man for the job.
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