Mr Justice Munby has been appointed as the new chairman of the Law Commission, succeeding Lord Justice Etherton.

Munby, who took over the position on 1 August for a three-year term, was appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor Jack Straw to the non-political independent body set up in 1965 by Parliament.

In his new role, Munby will be responsible for reviewing all of the law in England and Wales, recommending reform where needed.

Munby was called to the Bar in 1971 and took silk in 1988. He was appointed as a High Court Judge in 2000 and assigned to the Family Division and the Administrative Court.

Straw said: "I am confident that Sir James Munby, with his skills and experience, will be of great value to the Law Commission and will further enhance the important work they carry out. I look forward to his contribution over the next three years."

He added: "[The Law Commission] exists to keep the law of England and Wales under review and to recommend reform where needed. Its recommendations are designed to make the law as fair, modern, simple and cost-effective as possible."

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