The island’s new Second Deemster has been appointed.

He’s John Needham, who had been the High Bailiff, and becomes the island’s third most senior judge.

Mr Needham has been the High Bailiff since 2010, having previously been appointed as Clerk to the Justices in the Isle of Man in 1999.

Before this he had worked for five years as a solicitor dealing with both civil and criminal litigation in London.

He will succeed Deemster Andrew Corlett, who was appointed as First Deemster and Clerk of the Rolls in September.

The appointment is officially made by The Queen, based on a recommendation made by a local selection panel, following an open recruitment process.

The Second Deemster helps the First Deemster in respect of judicial, administration, ceremonial and other duties assigned to the Second Deemster by the First Deemster.

Mr Needham said he was looking forward to continuing to work closely with Deemster Corlett and the other members of the judiciary and court staff in administering justice in an ’open, cost-effective and transparent way’ .

Applications are now being invited for the role of High Bailiff, with a deadline for applications of Wednesday, January 9, at 5pm.

The High Bailiff and Deputy High Bailiff preside over lower courts than Deemsters.