A brilliant morning on Wednesday the 1st of October celebrating not only Legal New Year 2025, but also the swearing-in of our new Lord Chancellor, the Right Honourable David Lammy MP.
It was a privilege to be seated alongside David’s family and friends in the Royal Courts of Justice for this most solemn of ceremonies, followed by the beautiful church service in Westminster Abbey and the sumptuous breakfast reception in Westminster Hall.
I have known David (or “the DPM” as his officials now call him) for over 20 years. Like my other close political friends in Parliament, David works his socks off and cares about making a difference.
David has said that returning to the justice brief in Government is like “coming home.”
I know that many of us who practise law in England and Wales, either as solicitors or barristers, will welcome David’s support for victims of appalling state scandals like Windrush and Grenfell; his support for legal aid, legal aid lawyers and Law Centres; and his commitment to defending lawyers and judges from unwarranted attacks from those who wish to weaken and destroy our rule of law.
Congratulations again to David – Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.
It will be great to work with you.
PS: love the shoes.