London, UK – In a ceremonious gathering at the heart of the British legal system, a significant milestone was marked today. The new Lord Chancellor took her oath of office, becoming a symbol of diversity and a beacon of hope for future generations.
According to judicary.uk The Right Honourable Shabana Mahmood MP was appointed as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice on 5 July 2024. She was elected as the MP for Birmingham Ladywood in July 2024.
Addressing a distinguished audience, including the Lady Chief Justice, she warmly welcomed Richard Hermer KC as the new Attorney General, praising his deep expertise and expressing confidence in their future collaboration. Similarly, she acknowledged Sarah Sackman, who has swiftly ascended to the role of Solicitor General, highlighting her remarkable journey from becoming a Member of Parliament to serving in government within just five days.
Reflecting on her own journey, the new Lord Chancellor shared a poignant story from her humble beginnings in Small Heath, Birmingham, where she worked in her parents’ corner shop. Inspired by the iconic Barrister Kavanagh QC, she never imagined she would one day hold one of the highest offices in the land. As the daughter of immigrants from rural Kashmir, she emphasized the importance of the rule of law, which her parents instilled in her from a young age.
She paid tribute to her family, expressing heartfelt gratitude to her parents in Urdu, and acknowledged the profound influence of her pupil master, William Audland KC, who was present in the gallery. Drawing parallels with Frederick Elwyn-Jones, a previous Lord Chancellor and fellow Labour Party member, she vowed to uphold human rights and defend the international rule of law, following in his esteemed footsteps.
Her speech resonated deeply as she highlighted the enduring British values of due process, the finality of law over mob rule, and the resolution of disputes through debate and argument. She underscored the critical role of the independent judiciary and pledged to protect it from political interference and undue influence.
The new Lord Chancellor also addressed the challenges facing the justice system, acknowledging the dedication of those working in courts and tribunals, and the need for modernisation and adequate legal aid. She emphasized the urgency of timely justice, particularly for victims of violence and abuse, and committed to fighting for a more efficient and accessible system.
Quoting Chapter 4 Verse 135 of the Holy Quran, she underscored her commitment to justice, a principle that has guided her life and career. She invoked the legacy of her parents’ determination and resilience, promising to bring the same spirit to her role as Lord Chancellor.
As she concluded her speech, she reaffirmed her dedication to the duties of her office and to defending justice, declaring it the greatest honour and responsibility of her life.
In a time of significant challenges and change, the new Lord Chancellor’s inspiring words and personal journey offer a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
