Alexander Armstrong has been appointed as a Deputy High Bailiff of the Isle of Man.

Mr Armstrong is succeeding Christopher Arrowsmith, who is due to retire in December 2026 after more than seven years in the role.

The appointment was made by the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer on the advice of an independent selection panel chaired by the First Deemster and Clerk of the Rolls, His Honour the Deemster Corlett.

Mr Armstrong will be sworn into office in January 2027 and will be known as His Worship Deputy High Bailiff Armstrong.

Educated at Onchan Primary School and St Ninian’s High School, Mr Armstrong graduated from the University of Kent before being called to the Manx Bar in 2017.

He began his legal career in private practice, specialising in civil and commercial litigation, often involving cross-border matters. During this time, he was regularly recognised as a ‘Rising Star’ by legal directories and served as chairman of the island’s Junior Lawyers’ Association.

Mr Armstrong joined the Isle of Man Courts and Tribunals Service in 2022 as a legal officer within the General Registry, and his work has included providing legal advice and research support to members of the island’s judiciary.

Since 2024, he has also served part-time as a Judicial Officer and Deputy Coroner of Inquests, hearing a range of civil matters and inquests.

Mr Armstrong said: ‘It is an honour to be appointed a Deputy High Bailiff and a privilege to serve the Isle of Man and its community. I shall endeavour to do so to the best of my ability.’

In his new role, Mr Armstrong will deal with the full range of work undertaken by the Summary Courts, including criminal proceedings and appeals relating to matters such as immigration and firearms.

He will also sit in the island’s High Court, dealing with civil and land-related disputes.