Lawyer Victoria Pearman won’t take up her new post as Ombudsman until mid-March, when she has cleared her legal caseload.

Governor George Fergusson, who appoints the Ombudsman, told The Royal Gazette: “I expect Ms Pearman to take up her role as Ombudsman on March 15.

“There hasn’t been a delay but one of the risks in appointing an active advocate is that she has had cases from which she has not been able to disengage quickly and she cannot properly be a paid full-time Ombudsman while also appearing in court in her paid advocate role.”

He added: “The Constitution does not provide for a deputy or acting Ombudsman, even during periods of leave or illness or an unexpected vacancy.

“Complaints lodged in the next month will be considered formally when Ms Pearman arrives in office.”

Outgoing Ombudsman Arlene Brock was due to finish her eight-year term of office at the end of last month.