Shabana Mahmood, a British-Pakistani with Kashmiri heritage and Member of Parliament (MP) for Birmingham, has been formally inaugurated as the United Kingdom’s new Lord Chancellor.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Monday.
As reported by the media, Justice Secretary Mahmood vowed to “defend the international rule of law and uphold human rights.”
The 43-year-old Labour Party member announced her appointment on social media platform X, expressing her honor in taking on the role. She emphasized her commitment to safeguarding the judiciary from external influences, stating, “I will be a champion of the Rule of Law. 900 years into this ancient role, it is more vital than ever before.”
Shabana Mahmood, originally from Small Heath, Birmingham, has made history as the first Muslim woman to hold the position of Lord Chancellor. She took her oath on the Holy Quran and proudly highlighted that she is “the first Lord Chancellor to speak Urdu.”
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by notable judicial figures, including Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr, Supreme Court President Robert Reed, and Chancellor of the High Court Julian Flaux.
In her inaugural speech, Mahmood emphasized the new Labour government’s commitment to “defending the international rule of law and upholding human rights,” as outlined by the European Convention on Human Rights established after World War II.
She stressed the importance of improving access to justice for women and girls experiencing violence and abuse.
Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr acknowledged the forthcoming challenges, stating, “There will undoubtedly be challenges and decisions to face today and in the future. That is an inherent part of governance. We will collaborate with you and your ministers as you navigate these demands. I look forward to building a stable, long-term partnership with you as Lord Chancellor, within constitutional boundaries, in the service and pursuit of justice.”
