Sir Mark Warby has formally taken up the role of President of the King’s Bench Division after being sworn in by the Lady Chief Justice at the Royal Courts of Justice.
What happened at the swearing-in ceremony?
The new President of the King’s Bench Division, Sir Mark Warby, was sworn in on Monday 5 October 2026 by the Lady Chief Justice at a ceremony held at the Royal Courts of Justice.
The ceremony marked Sir Mark’s formal assumption of responsibility for the King’s Bench Division, the largest division of the High Court. Speeches were made in recognition of his appointment by the Lady Chief Justice, Andrew Caldecott KC and Adrienne Page KC.
Sir Mark takes over the leadership of the Division from Dame Victoria Sharp, who previously served as its President.
What does the President of the King’s Bench Division do?
The President of the King’s Bench Division has day-to-day responsibility for the work of the Division. This includes overseeing the various courts and lists operating within the KBD and being responsible for the deployment of its judges.
The position of President of the King’s Bench Division was created in 2005. Before the post was established, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales served as Head of the Division.
By virtue of the office, the President of the King’s Bench Division also sits as a judge of the Court of Appeal.
What work does the King’s Bench Division cover?
The King’s Bench Division deals with a broad range of civil and public law matters. Its work includes common law civil claims, including actions relating to contracts and claims arising from civil wrongs known as torts.
The Division also deals with applications for judicial review. These are cases in which the court considers whether decisions made by central government, local government and other public bodies have been made according to law.
Several specialist courts and lists operate within the King’s Bench Division, including the Administrative Court, the Planning Court, the Media and Communications List and the general King’s Bench Division List.
Judges of the KBD also hear some of the most important and complex criminal cases on circuit throughout the country in the Crown Court and in the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division).
What did the Lady Chief Justice say?
In her speech recognising Sir Mark Warby’s appointment, the Lady Chief Justice highlighted the scale and complexity of the responsibilities involved in leading the King’s Bench Division.
She described the KBD as the largest division of the High Court, with an immense range of challenging and high-profile work. She said its leader must be agile, determined and open-minded.
“Mark will be an excellent President, bringing his dynamism, charm, and intellect to the role.”
— Lady Chief Justice
The Lady Chief Justice said she considered these qualities to be among Sir Mark’s strengths and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Division.
What is Sir Mark Warby’s judicial background?
Sir Mark Warby was called to the Bar in 1981 and took Silk in 2002. He subsequently held a series of judicial appointments before becoming a member of the Court of Appeal.
- Called to the Bar.
- Took Silk.
- Appointed as a Recorder.
- Appointed as a Deputy High Court Judge.
- Appointed as a High Court Judge assigned to the King’s Bench Division.
- Appointed as a Judge of the Court of Appeal.
- Served as Vice-Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission.
- Sworn in as President of the King’s Bench Division.
Sir Mark succeeds Dame Victoria Sharp as President of the King’s Bench Division.
Speaking after his appointment, Sir Mark said he regarded becoming President as a privilege and highlighted the wide range of legal work undertaken by judges of the Division.
“Together, we will work to ensure that cases are resolved fairly and efficiently, while upholding the rule of law.”
— Sir Mark Warby
He said he looked forward to leading the judges of the Division, whose work includes administrative law, planning, media and communications disputes and some of the most high-profile and complex criminal trials and appeals.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new President of the King’s Bench Division?
Sir Mark Warby is the new President of the King’s Bench Division. He was sworn into the role by the Lady Chief Justice on 5 October 2026 at the Royal Courts of Justice.
Who did Sir Mark Warby succeed?
Sir Mark Warby succeeds Dame Victoria Sharp as President of the King’s Bench Division.
What does the President of the King’s Bench Division do?
The President has day-to-day responsibility for the work of the King’s Bench Division, including oversight of its courts and lists and responsibility for the deployment of its judges.
What cases does the King’s Bench Division handle?
The Division handles common law civil claims, judicial review applications, planning matters, media and communications cases and some of the most important and complex criminal cases in the Crown Court and Court of Appeal (Criminal Division).
When was the post of President of the King’s Bench Division created?
The post was created in 2005. Before then, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales was the Head of the Division.
Does the President of the King’s Bench Division sit in the Court of Appeal?
Yes. By virtue of the office, the President of the King’s Bench Division also sits as a judge of the Court of Appeal.