Committee publication · Correspondence · 22 May 2026
Correspondence from The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 22 May 2026: Judicial Appointments Commission - Chair
From: Justice Committee
Summary
Lord Chancellor David Lammy notifies the Justice Committee that he has selected Professor Lynne Berry CBE as his preferred candidate for Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission. Berry, currently Chair of the Human Tissue Authority and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Westminster, was assessed as a strong candidate demonstrating leadership qualities and commitment to merit-based appointment and diversity. Lammy proposes an 18-month initial term to lead the JAC's response to the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts.
Key findings
- Lord Chancellor has selected Professor Lynne Berry CBE as preferred candidate for JAC Chair following assessment panel interview
- Berry described her leadership style as 'measured radicalism' and demonstrated understanding of JAC's constitutional framework and independence requirements
- Initial appointment term proposed as 18 months rather than advertised three-year term, to enable leadership of JAC's response to the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts
- Appointment process complied with Governance Code on Public Appointments and Judicial Appointments Commission Regulations 2013, regulated by Commissioner for Public Appointments
- Pre-appointment scrutiny hearing scheduled for June; Lord Chancellor will consider Committee's report before final decision
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
David Lammy MP, Professor Lynne Berry CBE, Andy Slaughter MP, Human Tissue Authority, University of Westminster, Judicial Appointments Commission, Commissioner for Public Appointments
Notable line
“Professor Berry possesses the skills, experience and qualities to be an effective JAC Chair, including being able to provide stability and leadership.”
Key Quotes
“… measured radicalism”
“At interview, the assessment panel judged Professor Berry to be a strong and confident candidate who was able to evidence leadership qualities from a wide range of roles.”
“I have decided to offer Professor Berry appointment for an initial term of 18 months. This will enable her to lead the Commission in its response to the recommendations of the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗