Downing Street has finally got round to announcing that Lord Neuberger, 61, is to become Master of the Rolls, the most senior civil appeal judge in England and Wales and second only to the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge.

I rather jumped the gun in announcing his appointment nearly three weeks ago. But I was right in predicting that the Supreme Court will be one member down when its members are sworn in on October 1.

A new appointments process will be needed to fill the vacancy left by Lord Neuberger and this cannot be completed during the summer months.