Porter v Magill [2002] UKHL 67

Court: House of Lords

Facts: Dame Shirley Porter’s policy of selling council houses in marginal wards led to allegations of bias. The issue was whether a fair-minded and informed observer would perceive a real possibility of bias.

Held: The House of Lords established that the test for bias is whether a fair-minded and informed observer would conclude there was a real possibility of bias. This test considers the appearance of bias and the potential impact on public confidence.

Judicial Statement: Lord Hope stated, “The fair-minded and informed observer must consider whether there is a real possibility of bias based on the facts presented.”