Sir Mark Warby sworn in as President of King's Bench Division

Sir Mark Warby was sworn in as the new President of the King’s Bench Division on Monday 5 October at a ceremony held in the Royal Courts of Justice. The Lady Chief Justice officiated at the swearing-in.

Responsibilities of the President

The President of the King’s Bench Division holds day-to-day responsibility for the division's operations. This includes oversight of the various courts and lists within the division and the deployment of its judges. The post, established in 2005, also requires the President to sit as a judge of the Court of Appeal. The King’s Bench Division handles a wide array of legal matters, including common law civil claims related to contracts, and civil wrongs known as torts. It also processes applications for judicial review, examining the legality of decisions made by central and local government and other public bodies.

The division encompasses the Administrative Court, the Planning Court, the Media and Communications List, and the general King's Bench List. Judges within the division also preside over significant and complex criminal cases heard in the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) across the country.

Sir Mark Warby's Career

Sir Mark Warby was called to the Bar in 1981 and appointed a High Court Judge in 2014. He previously served as Vice-Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission from 2023 to 2026. He succeeds Dame Victoria Sharp, who previously held the presidency.

The Lady Chief Justice, in her remarks, described the role as demanding, requiring agility, determination, and open-mindedness due to the division's extensive and high-profile work. She expressed confidence in Sir Mark Warby's ability to lead, citing his dynamism, charm, and intellect. Andrew Caldecott KC and Adrienne Page KC also made speeches recognising Sir Mark's appointment.