Resignations from the magistracy have increased by 18% since the announcement of court closures, according to government figures.

Responding to a written question tabled by Mike Wood, MP for Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire, justice minister Jonathan Djanogly revealed that 487 magistrates had resigned from their role since the policy was announced on December 14.

That compares with 414 resignations during the same period the year before.

There have also been 359 magistrates retiring in England and Wales in the last seven months.

Mr Djanogly had previously said there was no evidence to suggest that the rise had anything to do with government plans to close 93 magistrates’ courts in a bid to cut costs.

But Wood claimed many magistrates in his local area had retired early or resigned in protest at the cuts.

‘If it were not for these closures these magistrates would have remained on the bench,’ he said.

‘It is inconceivable, ridiculous even, for the minister to so readily deny a link between his attack on the administration of local justice and an increase in the number of magistrates feeling they have no choice but to step away from the new arrangements.’

Mr Djaonogly has previously stated that changes to the court system will mean a ‘better, more efficient and more modern’ process of justice in modern buildings.

The government has stated that the changes would still mean 85% of people can get to their nearest court within an hour via public transport.