On July 15, Shabana Mahmood MP was inaugurated as the United Kingdom’s first female Muslim Lord Chancellor in a landmark ceremony at the Royal Courts of Justice. This event was a historic milestone in British history, with Mahmood taking her oath on the Qur’an.
As the Lord Chancellor, who also serves as Secretary of State for Justice and Minister of the Crown, Mahmood will oversee the justice system in England and Wales. Her responsibilities include managing the Ministry of Justice, shaping justice policy, and ensuring the efficient functioning of the courts. She will also oversee the administration of legal aid, which is vital for providing support to those who cannot afford legal representation. A crucial aspect of her role is maintaining the independence of the judiciary, ensuring that judges can make impartial decisions free from political influence.
Dame Sue Carr, the first female Chief Justice, presided over the ceremony and emphasized its historic significance. She noted, “Today marks a ‘triple first’: the first Lord Chancellor to swear on the Qur’an, the first female Lord Chancellor, and the first instance of a female Chief Justice swearing in a Lord Chancellor. These achievements highlight the ongoing evolution of our constitution to more accurately reflect the society it serves.”
Mahmood, a seasoned barrister, conveyed her gratitude and dedication during her swearing-in. She reflected on her journey from a young girl in Small Heath, Birmingham, working in her parents’ corner shop, to her new role.
“Being the ‘first’ comes with both privilege and responsibility. Achieving success in this role can pave the way for future generations, demonstrating that even the most venerable positions are within reach for all,” she remarked in her inauguration speech. She also highlighted that she is the first Lord Chancellor fluent in Urdu.
Mahmood spoke of holding her office in high regard, not only as a former barrister but as the child of immigrants. “My parents were not versed in Magna Carta, Habeas Corpus, or the Bill of Rights, as I would come to be. Yet, arriving from rural Kashmir, they sensed that this country was different. Here, institutions like our courts are incorruptible, and no one—neither the government nor the individual—is above or below the law.”
Since becoming a Member of Parliament in 2010, Mahmood has held various roles within the Labour Party, including Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Shadow Minister for Higher Education.
The event was attended by notable figures such as Law Society President Nick Emmerson and Bar Chair Sam Townend KC, who praised Mahmood’s dedication to justice and anticipated her positive influence on the legal system.
In outlining her vision for her tenure, Mahmood emphasized the importance of preserving judicial independence, protecting human rights, and ensuring timely and accessible justice. She pledged to modernize the courts and enhance legal aid while acknowledging the persistent challenges within the justice system.
Concluding her speech with a powerful statement of her values, Mahmood recited a verse from Surah Al-Nisa of the Qur’an: “Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your kin. Whether it be (against) rich or poor: For Allah can best protect both.” She vowed to fight tirelessly for the justice system, driven by the resolve she inherited from her parents. Her swearing-in represents not only a personal milestone but also a significant advancement in representation and diversity within the UK government.
Photo: Shabana Mahmood enters the House of Lords as Lord Chancellor to deliver the government speech to His Majesty King Charles III at the State Opening of Parliament on July 17. (Credit: House of Commons).
