Lord Richards announces his retirement from the UK Supreme Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council

A selection process will now be launched for the recruitment of a Justice

UK Supreme Court Justice the Right Hon Lord Richards of Camberwell has today announced his intention to retire from the UK Supreme Court and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in June 2026, bringing to an end a fifty-two year career in Law that has spanned company law and corporate insolvency, as well as time spent as a judge at both the High Court and Court of Appeal, before reaching the Supreme Court in 2022.

In a statement announcing his retirement next year, Lord Richards said:

“It is a great privilege to serve as a Supreme Court Justice and to take part in the important and challenging work of the Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. I have been fortunate to do so, working alongside outstanding colleagues and dedicated staff, whose company I will greatly miss when I retire.”

Further details about Lord Richards’ career can be found here.

The Lord Chancellor has now convened a Selection Commission to appoint Lord Richards’ successor. A page on the Supreme Court website  (Judicial Vacancies - Justice of the Supreme Court) has been created to explain the role, the application process and how to apply. It also has interviews with former and serving Justices about their career paths, why they applied to become a Justice, and what to expect in the role.

Speaking as both Lord Richards announced his intention to retire, and the process to appoint his successor began, the Court’s President Lord Reed said:

“The Selection Commission is looking for candidates who can demonstrate exceptional legal ability, maturity of judgment, an ability to work within a system of collegiate decision-making, an understanding of the constitutional context in which the court operates, and a willingness to engage in wider outreach activities.

“Candidates are expected to have substantial judicial experience, or equivalent experience of adjudication.”.

More reflections from Lord Reed on the role of UK Supreme Court Justice can be found in this video: