New Bailiff to take up reins in June
Thursday 12th March 2009, 2:59PM GMT.
DEPUTY Bailiff Michael Birt will become the Island’s Bailiff in June.
The Queen has approved the appointment of the former Attorney General, following a recommendation by Lord Falconer of Thoroton, the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs. Sir Philip Bailhache, who steps down from the role of Bailiff this summer, has been Bailiff since 1995.
In a statement issued today, Mr Birt (60), who in his new role will become the Island’s chief judge and speaker of the States, said: ‘I am very honoured to have been appointed as Bailiff in succession to Sir Philip.
‘It is an ancient office which carries with it great responsibilities.
‘I look forward to being sworn in and shall do my best at all times to serve the community and the best interests of the Island.’
The process of appointing a replacement for Mr Birt as Deputy Bailiff will begin shortly.
Pictured: Deputy Bailiff Michael Birt will be taking on the mantle of Jersey’s first citizen in June
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I hope that the new Bailiff will be mindful of the rule that many Speakers of the House of Commons set themselves.
The Speaker is the friend and champion of the House and not the government. The Speaker’s duty is stand up for the rights of the ordinary Member to question and hold the government to account.
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It is an ancient office…
And dont we just know it!
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This is, of course, a fait accompli which was decided behind closed doors.
Surely this kind of appointment should be determined by an appointments commission? While I am sure that Mr Birt is eminently suitable for the post, the manner of his appointment reduces the process to a laughing stock. If Jersey wishes to take itself seriously, this sort of thing needs to be stamped out.
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When does his brother start HIS new job?
Oh, do they not get appointed together? Sorry, not sure how I got that in my head…
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The “process” of appointing the new deputy bailiff has begun. What will that process be? Will it be open consultation or will it be a nice, cosy little chat among the crown officer cronies? If I see the job advertised for open application, I will eat my red hat (or Toque as they are called in the Royal Court).
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Could someone explain the appointment process.
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I’m not sure what the appointment process is, but it certainly didn’t involve a recommendation from Lord Falconer – he is no longer Lord Chancellor! It will have been Jack Straw as Lord Chancellor and SoS for Justice
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This comes as no surprise to me at all.
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And the new deputy bailiff will be….
William Bailhache.
surprise surprise
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Despite the knockers he is a good choice. Or perhaps we would be happier if Deputy Southern or Senator Syvret were appointed?!
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The new deputy bailiff might not immediately be Willie Bailhache. The word on the {hill} street is that it might be Birt’s previous business partner Julian Clyde-Smith, who is presently a Royal Court Commissioner. Clyde-Smith might be DB for a fixed term [like Francis Hamon was DB for 5 years after the Vernon Tomes affair] in order to give Bailhache junior time to get a successor up to speed and to identify a new solicitor general from his friends at the bar. According to this version of things, Mr Bailhache will then ease himself into the office when he feels like it.
Whatever happens, there will be no public consultation, nor any input from outside the clique.
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