Bailhache will be Deputy Bailiff

The Bailiff of Jersey is president of the Royal Court

The Attorney General of Jersey is to become the new Deputy Bailiff.

The appointment of William Bailhache was approved by the Queen before being announced in the States on Wednesday.

His brother, Sir Philip Bailhache, is current Bailiff of Jersey but is to retire at the end of this month and will be replaced by Michael Birt.

The Bailiff has dual role as president of both the Royal Court and the States as well as acting as speaker in the House. He has no political power.

The Deputy Bailiff steps into his shoes in his absence.

William Bailhache will take up his role as Deputy Bailiff in November but there will be a four-month gap between Michael Burt leaving the post and Mr Bailhache taking it up.

The new appointment means that Mr Bailhache will have to step down as Attorney General of the Jersey and a successor found.

The role of Attorney General is open to anyone involved in the legal profession who is under the age of 70.