Supporters of embattled Queensland chief justice Tim Carmody – who foreshadowed his resignation three weeks ago in a bid to end months of bitter judicial in-fighting – are mounting a rearguard action to keep him in the job.

Justice Carmody is believed to be seriously considering staying on unless the Palaszczuk government implements the judicial reform he has canvassed.

Justice Carmody, a former police officer, was serving as Chief Magistrate when controversially appointed by the then Newman LNP government in July last year.

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He was subsequently criticised by current and former judges and senior lawyers for his perceived inexperience – he had never sat on a Supreme Court bench – and his closeness to the government.

As the criticism continued unabated, Justice Carmody last month flagged his intention to quit on the proviso that his early departure would be on “just terms” and the current Labor government would reform the judiciary, including setting up a judicial commission.

The fightback campaign by his supporters follows persistent messages of support from lawyers and members of the public urging Justice Carmody to remain in the top judicial job.

His supporters are also concerned that the Carmody critics have unfairly dominated the public debate.

“Carmody’s been the victim of an ongoing witch hunt, but the reality is that most of the state’s legal community support him remaining in the job,” a close supporter told The New Daily.

“Because the constant acrimony was making his position untenable, he made it clear to the government that he was willing to resign, subject to just terms as well as the judicial reform he strongly believes is needed.

“But given the government’s statements on the matter, it’s apparent they are preparing to just force him out without any intention of implementing the changes he has sought.

“So his intention is, if the government’s not going to agree to overhaul the judiciary, then he will reform it from the inside out. Therefore, he will be staying on to do the job.”

A retired judge has also thrown his support behind Justice Carmody saying he believes a small group of “extremely bitter” judges are behind the push to remove the Chief Justice.

Former District Court Judge Brian Boulton, who has known Justice Carmody since their school days, told the Courier Mail that a silent majority of the legal fraternity wanted the Chief Justice to stay on.

“I suspect the problem he had then is the problem he has today – and that is that Tim Carmody is no silver tail,” Judge Boulton said.

Justice Carmody is currently on leave tending to his sick wife and is not expected back at work until the end of this month.

Acting Premier Jackie Trad told AAP that talks about Mr Carmody’s proposed resignation were progressing with the Attorney General Yvette D’Ath but no deal was being negotiated.

“Can I say that the chief justice has made it very clear that he would like to resign and he’s engaging in conversations with the attorney-general around his express desire to resign,” she said.