UK gets new attorney, solicitor general

UK Flag. Photo: Ballymoney Chronicles

The United Kingdom has sworn in Ellie Reeves KC MP as Attorney General and Andy Slaughter MP as Solicitor General at a ceremony held at the Royal Courts of Justice.

The two senior Law Officers were sworn into their roles on Thursday, October 1, 2026, following their appointments in July, according to a statement published by the UK Attorney General’s Office on Thursday.

The Rt Hon Alex Norris MP was also sworn in as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.

The report was also published on the UK Home Office website.

Reeves, who was appointed Attorney General on July 20, said tackling violence against women and girls remained her “top priority”.

“It is an honour to be sworn in as Attorney General for England and Wales and Advocate General for Northern Ireland. My career both as a lawyer and now in government has shown me just how important it is that the legal profession is open to everyone, whatever their background, and this is a cause I will champion throughout my time in this role.

“Building on the work I was proud to lead as Solicitor General, tackling violence against women and girls remains my top priority.

“I look forward to working alongside Andy Slaughter MP on our shared mission to uphold the rule of law and strengthen confidence in our criminal justice system.”

Slaughter, who was appointed Solicitor General on July 21, said he looked forward to working with Reeves to address challenges facing the justice system.

“It is a privilege to be sworn in as Solicitor General, an important role in our constitution, bridging law and government to ensure good governance.

“As Chair of the Justice Select Committee, I saw first-hand the pressures facing our justice system. I now look forward to working with the Attorney General to tackle these challenges directly, and to ensure our justice system commands the public’s confidence.”

The ceremony was attended by the Lady Chief Justice, the Right Honourable the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill.

The Attorney General is the UK Government’s chief legal adviser and attends Cabinet. The Law Officers—the Attorney General and Solicitor General—also superintend the Law Officers’ Departments, including the Crown Prosecution Service, Serious Fraud Office, Government Legal Department and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.

They also carry out public interest functions, including referring sentences to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, taking legal action against people in contempt of court and providing consent to prosecute offences.