The Lieutenant Governor has appointed advocate Alexander Armstrong as a Deputy High Bailiff, the Isle of Man Government announced on 15 October.
He fills the vacancy left by Christopher Arrowsmith, who retires from the bench in December 2026 after more than seven years in the role. According to the Government, Mr Armstrong will take his oath in January 2027. From then his formal title will be His Worship Deputy High Bailiff Armstrong.
Sir John Lorimer, the Lieutenant Governor, acted on a recommendation from an independent panel. Isle of Man Today reported that the panel was led by Deemster Corlett, who holds the offices of First Deemster and Clerk of the Rolls.
The Government said Mr Armstrong went to school in Onchan, first at the primary school and then at St Ninian’s High School. He went on to take a degree at the University of Kent and was admitted to the Manx Bar in 2017.
According to Isle of Man Today, he first worked for private law firms, concentrating on civil and commercial disputes, many of which crossed jurisdictions. Legal directories repeatedly listed him as a ‘Rising Star’ during those years, and he served as chair of the island’s Junior Lawyers’ Association, the outlet said.
In 2022 he moved to the General Registry, taking a legal officer role within the Isle of Man Courts and Tribunals Service. Isle of Man Today said the job has involved advising the island’s judges and carrying out research for them.
The Government said that since 2024 he has also sat on a part-time basis, both as a Judicial Officer and as a Deputy Coroner of Inquests. Isle of Man Today reported that this has seen him preside over civil matters as well as inquests.
As a Deputy High Bailiff he will cover every kind of case that comes before the Summary Court, according to Isle of Man Today. That includes criminal hearings and appeals in areas such as immigration and firearms. The outlet added that he will also sit as a judge of the High Court, deciding civil claims and disputes over land.
In comments issued through the Government, Mr Armstrong said: “It is an honour to be appointed a Deputy High Bailiff and a privilege to serve the Isle of Man and its community.”
He went on: “I shall endeavour to do so to the best of my ability.”
