New Law Officers Sworn in at the Royal Courts
Today marked a significant occasion at the Royal Courts of Justice as Ellie Reeves KC MP and Andy Slaughter MP took their oaths as the new Attorney General and Solicitor General, respectively. Their appointments, which took place earlier this July, underscore a renewed commitment to the integrity of the legal system in England and Wales. Additionally, the Rt Hon Alex Norris MP was sworn in as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice during the ceremony, further shaping the leadership within the legal framework of the government.
Ellie Reeves KC MP’s Vision as Attorney General
Upon her swearing-in, Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP expressed her gratitude and commitment to her new role. She stated, “It is an honour to be sworn in as Attorney General for England and Wales and Advocate General for Northern Ireland.” Reeves, who has built a career as both a lawyer and a government official, emphasised the importance of accessibility within the legal profession. She pledged to promote this cause throughout her tenure.
Highlighting her priorities, Reeves reiterated her dedication to addressing violence against women and girls, a continuation of her previous work as Solicitor General. She conveyed her anticipation to collaborate with Andy Slaughter MP in their shared goal of bolstering the rule of law and enhancing public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Andy Slaughter MP’s Commitment to Justice
Solicitor General Andy Slaughter MP also shared his sentiments regarding his new role, describing it as a privilege. He remarked on the significance of the position within the constitutional framework, acting as a vital link between law and government to ensure effective governance. Drawing from his experience as Chair of the Justice Select Committee, Slaughter acknowledged the considerable pressures facing the justice system and expressed eagerness to work alongside the Attorney General to confront these challenges head-on.
Both Reeves and Slaughter are poised to play pivotal roles in reinforcing the public’s trust in the justice system, addressing the complex challenges that lie ahead.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Law Officers
The roles of the Attorney General and Solicitor General come with substantial responsibilities, including serving as the Government’s chief legal advisors and participating in Cabinet discussions. Their duties extend beyond mere advisory roles; the Law Officers oversee several departments, such as the Crown Prosecution Service, Serious Fraud Office, Government Legal Department, and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.
Furthermore, the Law Officers engage in various public interest functions, such as referring cases to the Court of Appeal for review under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, prosecuting individuals for contempt of court, and granting consent for prosecutions. These functions are essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served fairly and efficiently.
New Appointments and Future Directions
Ellie Reeves KC MP officially assumed her role as Attorney General on 20 July 2026, while Andy Slaughter MP took office as Solicitor General the following day, on 21 July 2026. With their combined expertise and commitment to justice, both Law Officers are expected to make significant contributions to the UK’s legal landscape, championing reforms and ensuring that the legal system remains robust and equitable for all citizens.