NON-LAWYER APPOINTED NEW LORD CHANCELLOR IN UK

Non-lawyer is new Lord Chancellor

(UKPA) – 1 day ago  

The first non-lawyer to be appointed in modern times to the historic title of Lord Chancellor has been sworn in at a ceremony at the High Court.

Chris Grayling, the Conservative MP for Epsom and Ewell, was welcomed by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, to a post that has existed for 1,400 years.

As the new Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, he has a number of weighty responsibilities, including "overall strategy on criminal justice, penal policy and rehabilitation".

At the colourful ceremony in Lord Judge's packed courtroom at London's law courts, Mr Grayling, who replaces Ken Clarke, swore an oath to both defend the independence of the judiciary and make sure there are "resources for the efficient and effective support of the courts".

Lord Judge, when welcoming Mr Grayling on behalf of the judiciary, said "much has been made of the fact that the new Lord Chancellor is not legally qualified". Recent constitutional changes meant Mr Grayling "will certainly not be the last non-legally qualified Lord Chancellor" - but Lord Judge pointed out that in centuries past there had in fact been three previous holders of the office who were not lawyers.

To much laughter in a court awash with bewigged senior members of the judiciary decked out in ceremonial garb of red and ermine or black with gold brocade, Lord Judge said that all three had ended up in the Tower of London. But he added quickly: "This is not a fate we wish on our new Lord Chancellor."

On a more serious note, Lord Judge said Mr Grayling "must protect and advance the independence of the judiciary both in Cabinet and in Parliament". He "must continually remind his colleagues that they too are obliged to uphold the same principle so deeply entrenched in the life-force of this country."

Mr Grayling said it had long been an ambition of his to be appointed Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, and described being "hugely honoured".

He told the judges and lawyers present he believed "very much in the rule of law", which was "vital to good Government", and was committed to the protection of their independence and the "robust protection of justice".

Mr Grayling, who wore ceremonial robes - but no wig - said his "personal passion", and the reason he had wanted his new role, was turning offenders away from crime - with the so-called "rehabilitation revolution". He said: "I am keen to expand and develop this as soon as possible."