 As a result, the case has been described as "the landmark case" that opened up decisions taken by the UK executive to judicial review in English law.The Brighton police authority dismissed its Chief Constable (Charles Ridge) without offering him an opportunity to defend his actions.The Chief Constable appealed, arguing that the Brighton Watch Committee (headed by George Baldwin) had acted unlawfully ("ultra vires") in terminating his appointment in 1958 following criminal proceedings against him.