Judiciary confirms the death in service of His Honour Judge Ian Murdoch on 18 July 2026
Circuit Judge Death in Service has been announced by the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary following the death of His Honour Judge Ian Murdoch while serving as a Circuit Judge in England and Wales.
The Courts and Tribunals Judiciary confirmed on 23 July 2026 that His Honour Judge Ian Murdoch died on 18 July 2026. The announcement stated that The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, the Right Honourable the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, and the then Lord Chancellor, the Right Honourable David Lammy MP, were saddened to learn of his death.
The official notice was published on the Judiciary website and marked the passing of a judge who served the courts for many years after progressing through several judicial appointments.
His Honour Judge Murdoch began his legal career after being admitted as a solicitor in 1990. Over the following decades, he took on a succession of judicial roles, reflecting his long-standing service within the justice system.
He was first appointed as a Deputy District Judge in 2001 before becoming a District Judge in 2005. His judicial career continued to advance when he was appointed as a Circuit Judge in 2018, a role he held until his death.
Alongside his courtroom responsibilities, Judge Murdoch also contributed to judicial education. Between 2010 and 2018, he served as a Civil Course Tutor at the Judicial College, helping to support the professional development of members of the judiciary before his appointment to the Circuit Bench.
The Judiciary’s announcement did not provide further details about the circumstances of Judge Murdoch’s death. Instead, it focused on acknowledging his service and recording the condolences of the senior judicial and governmental office holders.
The statement was issued jointly in the names of the Lady Chief Justice and the then Lord Chancellor, reflecting the significance of Judge Murdoch’s contribution to the administration of justice in England and Wales.
Judge Murdoch’s career spanned more than three decades from his admission as a solicitor through to his service on the Circuit Bench. During that time, he held judicial appointments at multiple levels and contributed to the training of fellow judges through his work with the Judicial College.
The Courts and Tribunals Judiciary regularly publishes notices to record the deaths of serving members of the judiciary and to recognise their public service. The announcement regarding His Honour Judge Ian Murdoch forms part of that practice, providing an official record of his death and his judicial career.
No additional information regarding funeral arrangements or further commemorative events has been included in the Judiciary’s official publication. The announcement remains limited to confirming Judge Murdoch’s death, expressing the sadness of the Lady Chief Justice and the then Lord Chancellor, and outlining the principal milestones of his legal and judicial career.
Judge Murdoch is remembered in the official notice for his years of service as a solicitor, District Judge and Circuit Judge, as well as for his contribution to judicial training through the Judicial College. The Judiciary’s statement serves as the formal acknowledgement of his death while in service and recognises the role he played within the courts of England and Wales.