The Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, has announced he is retiring after five years in the role.

Sir Timothy took up his appointment on 17 October 2019 and intends to leave office six years to the day, on 17 October 2025. 

He succeeded Sir William Bailhache, becoming Jersey's 90th Bailiff - the island's civic head, chief judge and presiding officer of the States Assembly. 

The 68-year-old's decision to step down has been approved by His Majesty the King. 

In his time in the role, Mr Le Cocq welcomed the King and Queen to the island in July this year and received a knighthood in 2022. 

Sir Timothy Le Cocq receiving his knighthood

He announced the decision to retire in the States Assembly today (1 October): 

“I wanted Assembly Members to be amongst the first to know that following a request that I have made to Buckingham Palace, I have received the gracious permission of His Majesty the King to retire from the office of Bailiff in October 2025, with my last day presiding over court being Friday 17 October, the anniversary of my swearing-in.

By that date I will have had the honour and privilege of serving as Bailiff for exactly six years, have been a Crown Officer for over 17, and will be less than two months short of my 69th birthday.

There will be time for the appropriate farewells, of course, and I am looking forward with enthusiasm to my last 12 months in office. I wished to make the announcement now, however, to allow an appropriate period for the appointment of my successor and for any other necessary arrangements to be made.”

Sir Timothy Le Cocq being sworn in to the role in 2019

Sir Timothy was appointed Her Majesty's Solicitor General in April 2008 and then Attorney General around 18 months later.

He held the latter post until 2015, before becoming the Deputy Bailiff in 2015. 

A new Bailiff will be appointed by His Majesty the King.