FT/EA/2024/0427 - [2025] UKFTT 01126 (GRC)

Prior to the hearing, the Appellant wrote to the Tribunal to ask that the appeal not be listed in front of any members of the panel who heard case FT/EA/2022/0355. The Appellant was informed that any such application amounted to an application for Judge Buckley (who sat on the previous case) to recuse herself, and that he would need to submit such application by way of form GRC5. The Appellant did not make any formal application via form GRC5 for recusal. However, Judge Buckley considered of her own motion whether she should recuse herself and decided that she should not do so. She concluded that a reasonable independent observer in full possession of the facts would not consider that there was a real possibility of bias. Each case is determined on the evidence and on its merits and, in accordance with the judicial oath, Judge Buckley can be expected to approach the issues with an objective judicial mind. There is nothing in the previous decision which might throw doubt on Judge Buckley’s ability to do so.