In 2023, I asked the JAC for information under the Freedom of Information Act. After almost two years of legal arguments, a tribunal found in my favour on two important points and ordered the JAC to disclose information it had fought to keep secret.

Now the JAC’s appealing.

And it’s bringing out the big guns, including Sir James Eadie KC, the Treasury Devil.

I need to raise money to hire a legal team of my own.

Why does this matter?

The JAC helps appoint judges in England and Wales. It spends our money and makes decisions which affect our justice system.

The JAC still refuses to let us know what questions it asks candidates when they apply to become judges.

Why? What are they hiding?

This isn’t just about me. It’s about whether journalists can use Freedom of Information to investigate matters in the public interest and whether publicly funded organisations can simply fight disclosure until people run out of money.

I’ve spent more than four decades as a journalist. I didn’t walk away when the JAC refused my requests. Now I need your help.

Your donation will help pay for solicitors, barristers and the legal work needed for the October hearing.

If you can’t donate, please share this appeal.

They’ve got their lawyers. Now, I need mine.