Earlier on this year there was an important reshuffle in the Supreme Court but there was an important element missing in the announcement.

While Lady Hale was appointed to become the new President and three other judges were promoted to join the highest court in the land, it remained unclear who would be the new Vice-President.

That question was answered today as the Queen appointed Lord Mance to the role on the basis of advice from the prime minister, the Lord Chancellor and the Judicial Appointments Commission.

Far from being a job of little consequence, Mance will have his work cut out over the next few years as the court will likely have a greater caseload with Brexit-related litigation and will also come under greater public scrutiny as a result.

To be more precise Mance will be heavily involved with the administrative life of the court alongside the Chief Executive and will also be responsible for much of the outreach work that the court does both domestically and internationally.

Mance will also remain a Justice of the Supreme Court and continue to offer his expertise to the judgements that are produced, especially in the area of commercial law where his background lies.