JCIO 88/24

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice and with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Mr Kirk Master JP, a magistrate on the Leicestershire and Rutland bench, with formal advice for misconduct.

Facts

Magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking on appointment, which includes an agreement to be circumspect in their conduct and maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy at all times, in their private, working and public lives. In addition, the Social Media Guidance for the judiciary states that judicial office holders should be aware of the risk of undermining trust and confidence in the judiciary by expressing, or appearing to endorse, views which could cast doubt on the objectivity. They should also not comment on matters of controversy.

Concerns were raised to the Midlands Conduct Advisory Committee that Mr Master had posted a number of politically sensitive posts on his social media ‘X’ account in support of the Palestinian cause in the Middle East.

Mr Master JP’s representations

In his representations, Mr Master accepted responsibility for his social media posts but did not agree that his posts could lead to the conclusion that he could be biased in the decision making. Mr Master confirmed that he did not refer to his judicial status in any of the posts and that he takes his role extremely seriously and would never consciously let his own opinions impact his judicial role.

Nominated Committee Member’s findings

The allegation was investigated in accordance with The Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023. A nominated committee member of the Midlands Conduct Advisory Committee found that Mr Master, in posting on a politically sensitive matter, had not demonstrated the standards expected of a judicial office holder. In recommending formal advice, the nominated committee member considered that Mr Master had failed to take into account that his posts could cast doubt on his independence and impartiality. This, and the potential to damage the reputation of the magistracy, amounted to misconduct.

Decision

Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the findings and issued Mr Master with formal advice. In making this decision, they took into consideration that Mr Master had no previous findings of misconduct against him, had accepted responsibility for his actions and agreed to reflect on the consequences of what he’d done.

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