JCIO 19/24

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office Said:

The Lord Chancellor has removed Mr Nicholas Preston from membership of the Valuation Tribunal for England for failing, without a reasonable excuse, to meet the minimum sittings requirement of his role.

On appointment, senior members of the tribunal commit to sit for at least 15 days a year, which includes training days as well as hearings. They are also expected to keep in regular contact with the tribunal and provide their availability to undertake sittings.

The summary process in the Judicial Conduct Rules 2023 enables the JCIO to recommend a judicial office-holder’s removal from office without further investigation where the officeholder concerned has failed, without reasonable excuse, to meet the minimum sittings requirement of their role.

Although Mr Preston completed his initial training, he has not completed any sittings since his appointment in 2020. He has made no contact with the tribunal since January 2022.

The Lord Chancellor therefore agreed with the JCIO’s recommendation to remove Mr Preston from office.

Notes for Editors

Media queries in relation to the JCIO should be made in the first instance to the Judicial Press Office - telephone 020 7073 4852 or via email - press.enquiries@judiciary.gsi.gov.uk

Sanctions for misconduct by judicial office-holders are set out in the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. They are, in order of severity: formal advice, formal warning, reprimand and removal from office.

For more information about the Office, including details on how to make a complaint against a judicial office holder, you can visit the JCIO website at: Judicial Conduct Investigations website