Braverman (pictured), who first stood for Parliament in 2005, previously practised in planning, judicial review and immigration law from No5 Chambers before entering Parliament in 2015. She was a minister at the Department for Exiting the EU, resigning in November 2018 in protest at then Prime Minister Theresa May’s draft Brexit withdrawal agreement.
Her appointment may be a controversial one for some, as she has previously criticised the judiciary for being too political. In an article on Conservative Home website recently, she wrote: ‘The political has been captured by the legal. Decisions of an executive, legislative and democratic nature have been assumed by our courts. Prorogation and the triggering of Article 50 were merely the latest examples of a chronic and steady encroachment by the judges.’
Her views suggest the government may take a hardline approach in implementing its manifesto promise to look into potential reform of judicial review.
Robert Buckland MP has retained the role of Lord Chancellor.
Commenting on her appointment, Attorney General Suella Braverman MP said: ‘I am honoured to be appointed as Attorney General for England and Wales and look forward to working with the many excellent government lawyers and officials. I want to thank my predecessor Geoffrey Cox QC MP for leaving me with such a strong record to build upon.
‘One of my first priorities is to continue the Government’s work in rebuilding confidence in our justice system, particularly with victims.’
Amanda Pinto QC, Chair of the Bar Council, said: ‘The role of Attorney General, as the chief legal adviser to the government, is hugely important.
‘We are grateful to Geoffrey Cox QC MP for his work whilst Attorney. He has been a staunch supporter of the rule of law, including encouraging an integrated approach across government to the justice system, recognising the value of those working in criminal justice and conducting vital work on disclosure.
‘He has been a great supporter of the Bar. We congratulate Suella Braverman MP and look forward to working with her and the Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland QC MP, on ensuring access to justice and protecting the rule of law.’
