Alex Norris appointed UK Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary

Alex Norris, the Labour MP for Nottingham North and former trade‑union organiser, was named Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice in the new cabinet. He becomes the fifth non‑lawyer to hold the post, following former Conservatives Chris Grayling, Michael Gove, Liz Truss and David Liddington. Bar Council chair Kirsty Brimelow noted his recent visit to Nottingham Crown Court, and other legal figures described the appointment as positive, though concerns remain about proposals such as scrapping jury trials.

The reshuffle also saw Ellie Reeves promoted from Solicitor‑General to Attorney General after Lord Hermer’s departure. Commentary accompanying the appointments argues that a legal background is not essential for the role, emphasizing the importance of effective political leadership within the Ministry of Justice.

The changes mark another instance of the UK government separating the justice portfolio from a strictly legal profession, a shift that began with the 2007 creation of the Ministry of Justice.