Four senior judges resign from Garrick Club amid sexism row

FOUR senior judges have resigned from the Garrick Club amid a row over its men-only membership, as the Lady Chief Justice called for inclusivity across the legal profession.

The Judicial Office said that Keith Lindblom, an appeal court judge, and three High Court justices Nicholas Cusworth, Nicholas Lavender and Ian Dove had quit after mounting scrutiny over their association with the club.

A spokesman said it was possible more judges had quit without informing the Judicial Office. The office provides training and human resources advice to the judiciary in England and Wales.

Last week the club’s full membership list was disclosed in a leak, and it was reported that a Supreme Court judge, five Court of Appeal judges, eight High Court judges and about 150 KCS were members of the club.

Sue Carr, the first Lady Chief Justice, who is the president of the courts and head of the judiciary of England and Wales, said the disclosures highlighted the need to improve inclusivity in the profession. She wrote, in an internal memo seen by The Guardian: “You will have seen the recent media coverage relating to judicial members of the Garrick Club.

“I am alive to the issues raised, which I take very seriously. I wish to emphasise my commitment to diversity and inclusivity across the judiciary.

“We must continue our vital work in this area including delivering on the work outlined in our diversity and inclusion strategy.”

The resignations follow those of Simon Case, the head of the Civil Service, and Richard Moore, the MI6 chief, amid debate surrounding the club’s longstanding ban on women.

It comes after an open letter signed by more than 80 lawyers in England and Wales called on judges to give up their memberships. It stated that membership to the Garrick Club was “incompatible with the core principles of justice, equality and fairness”.

A second open letter claimed that membership of the Garrick was inconsistent with the courts and tribunals judiciary’s guide to judicial conduct.

‘We must continue delivering on the work outlined in our diversity and inclusion strategy’