New Law Officers sworn-in
The Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP is sworn-in as Attorney General for England and Wales, and The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP is sworn-in as Solicitor General for England and Wales
The Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP was sworn-in today at the Royal Courts of Justice as Attorney General for England and Wales.
The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP joined the new Attorney General at the ceremony where she was sworn-in as Solicitor General for England and Wales.
The Lord Chancellor, the Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, and the Lord Chief Justice, the Lord Burnett of Maldon, spoke at the ceremony to welcome the Law Officers into their new roles.
The Lord Chancellor, the Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP said:
Law Officers hold a historic and important role in our democracy – ensuring governments act lawfully, while overseeing the vital work of our prosecuting authorities. As a former Law Officer myself, I well appreciate their vital work.
I have no doubt that the new Attorney General and Solicitor General will bring the energy, diligence and independence these positions require, and I look forward to working with them as we continue to build back confidence in the justice system.
Commenting on his new appointment the Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP said:
It is a privilege to be sworn-in as Attorney General for England and Wales. I am also delighted to see Lucy Frazer sworn-in as Solicitor General.
I would like to thank both the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice for their warm words in welcoming me to the position. I very much look forward to working with them in the unique roles we each play in upholding the rule of law at the heart of the UK constitution.
Commenting after the ceremony, the Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP said:
It is a great honour to be sworn-in as Solicitor General for England and Wales and I thank everyone for their kind words since my appointment.
This is an important role and I look forward to working with the Attorney in making law and politics work together at the heart of Government decision making.
The Attorney General is the Government’s chief legal advisor and also attends Cabinet. As well as providing advice to government, the Law Officers oversee the Law Officers’ departments which include which include the Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office, and the Government Legal Department and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.
The Law Officers carry out a number of functions in the public interest, such as considering unduly lenient sentences, and taking action when there has been a contempt of court. These functions are carried out independently of their role as government ministers.
Notes
The Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP was appointed Attorney General for England and Wales on 2 March 2021 by the Prime Minister. He has replaced the Rt Hon Suella Braverman QC MP who is on maternity leave.
The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP was appointed as Solicitor General for England and Wales on 2 March by the Prime Minister.
Biographies:
The Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP: Michael Ellis was appointed Attorney General on 2 March 2021. He previously held the position of Solicitor General from July 2019 to March 2021. He was Minister of State at the Department for Transport from 23 May 2019 to 25 July 2019. He was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport from January 2018 to May 2019. He was Deputy Leader of the House of Commons from 17 July 2016 to 8 January 2018.
Michael was appointed as Queen’s Counsel in July 2019. In October 2019 he was appointed a member of Her Majesty’s Privy Council.
The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP: Lucy Frazer was appointed Solicitor General on 2 March 2021. She previously held the position of Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice from July 2019 to March 2021. She was Solicitor General from 9 May 2019 to 25 July 2019. She was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice.
Prior to becoming an MP, Lucy was a barrister and was appointed as Queen’s Counsel in 2013. Lucy was appointed a member of Her Majesty’s Privy Council on 10 March 2021.