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Shabana Mahmood Sworn In as UK’s First Female Muslim Lord Chancellor
Shabana Mahmood becomes the UK's first female Muslim Lord Chancellor, swearing her oath on the Holy Quran.
ND
by News Desk
2024-07-16
Shabana Mahmood Sworn In as UK’s First Female Muslim Lord Chancellor

Shabana Mahmood was sworn in as the United Kingdom’s first female Muslim Lord Chancellor. The event marked a significant milestone in British history, with Ms. Mahmood taking her oath on the Holy Quran.

By law, the Lord Chancellor serves as the secretary of state for justice and is responsible for the administration of the courts and legal aid in England and Wales. Presiding over the ceremony, Dame Sue Carr, the first female Chief Justice, underscored the historic nature of the occasion.

"Today marks a 'triple first': the first Lord Chancellor to swear on the Quran, the first female Lord Chancellor, and the first time a female Chief Justice has sworn in a Lord Chancellor. These milestones reflect the ongoing evolution of our constitution to reflect the society it serves," noted Dame Sue Carr.

Shabana Mahmood, renowned for her shrewd advocacy and deep knowledge of professional ethics, expressed gratitude and a sense of responsibility. Reflecting on her journey from growing up in Small Heath, Birmingham, working in her parents’ corner shop to assuming this historic role, she emphasized the significance of being a trailblazer.

"Being the 'first' is both a privilege and a burden. Getting this right can open doors for future generations, showing that even the oldest titles of the land are within reach for us all," Ms. Mahmood stated. She highlighted that she is also the first Lord Chancellor who can speak Urdu.

Prominent figures at the ceremony included Law Society President Nick Emmerson and Bar Chair Sam Townend KC, who lauded Ms. Mahmood's dedication to justice and anticipated her positive impact on the legal system.

In her pledge upon assuming office, Ms. Mahmood vowed to uphold the international rule of law and defend human rights, stressing the importance of judicial independence free from political pressure.

The swearing-in ceremony at the Royal Courts of Justice was a momentous occasion, symbolizing inclusivity and progress in the UK's legal and political landscape.

 
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