Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae 'deeply honoured' to serve as Bailiff of Jersey
The Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae KC has been appointed as Jersey 's next Bailiff by His Majesty the King.
It comes after Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq announced his retirement in October last year, confirming Mr Macrae's appointment in the States Assembly on Tuesday 22 April.
Mr MacRae says he feels "deeply honoured" to be appointed to serve as Bailiff of Jersey.
He adds: "The ancient office of Bailiff has been at the heart of Island life for over 800 years.
"In times of need, the Bailiff has defended Jersey's rights and privileges, and in times of celebration and remembrance, the Bailiff has represented the people of Jersey both at home and overseas.
"I will do my best as presiding officer of the States, Chief Justice of the Island and Jersey's civic head, to serve our community, as Sir Timothy Le Cocq has done.'
Robert MacRae was educated at Jersey's La Moye School, Victoria College Prep and Victoria College.
He read law at the University of Exeter, studied for the English Bar and practised as an English barrister for several years before returning to Jersey in 2001.
He qualified as a Jersey Advocate in 2003 and was later appointed by Her Late Majesty The Queen to the office of Attorney General and Queen's Counsel in May 2015.
On 6 January 2020, he was appointed as Deputy Bailiff.
Mr MacRae will officially retire on Sunday 19 October 2025, with Mr MacRae due to be sworn in on Friday 24 October.
Outgoing Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, says: "Mr MacRae has a proven track record of service to Jersey, which I have no doubt he will continue to the highest standard during his time as Bailiff.
"I wish him every success."
What is the role of the Bailiff of Jersey?
The Bailiff is a crown-appointed role, responsible for the orderly conduct of Jersey's States of Assembly.
Like the UK's Speaker of the House, the Bailiff presides over States proceedings, but cannot vote.
The Bailiff's seat in the States Assembly is 7 inches higher than the Lieutenant-Governor's place. This is to emphasise that the Bailiff has precedence over all matters concerning Jersey's governance.
The Bailiff is also the President of the Royal Court and is responsible for official communication with UK authorities.
The Bailiff can usually only hold office until the retirement age of 70, which will be specified in the Letters Patent appointing them to their role.
In the case of Sir Timothy Le Cocq, his status as Bailiff would have ceased to be on Wednesday 9 December 2026.
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