Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many magistrates have resigned this year; and why this figure has not previously been disclosed.

There have been 842 magistrate resignations in England and Wales so far this financial year. Data on numbers of resignations from the magistracy is not routinely published, but is disclosed on request.

This Government values the judiciary greatly. A strong, independent judiciary is essential for a modern, democratic society and we do not take for granted the central role judges play in upholding the rule of law and delivering justice. Magistrate remains a sought after role and competition for vacancies tends to be strong.