A silk is appointed to the roles as Prime Minister Boris Johnson overhauls the UK’s cabinet
Robert Buckland QC MP has been named as the UK’s lord chancellor and secretary of state for justice.
Buckland, MP for Swindon on South, was called to the bar in 1991 and practiced criminal and planning law, The Law Society Gazette said. He took silk when he became solicitor general in 2014 in David Cameron’s government. He also briefly held the prisons portfolio, taking over from Rory Stewart MP, who was elevated 11 weeks ago.
Buckland’s appointment is noted by observers since he was a strong supporter of the “remain” side in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
David Gauke MP, the former lord chancellor and justice secretary, tweeted: “This is a good appointment. Not a solicitor, merely a barrister, but this will go down well.”
Johnson has also appointed several lawyers to new roles in his extensive cabinet overhaul.
Dominic Raab has been selected as foreign secretary and first secretary of state, effectively making him de facto deputy prime minister. Raab was Brexit secretary and a former trainee at Linklaters.
Robert Jenrick has been named secretary of state for housing, communities, and local government. He was an associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Sullivan & Cromwell.
