The Rt Hon Michael Ellis KC MP was sworn in as His Majesty’s Attorney General for England and Wales in a joint ceremony at the Royal Courts of Justice today.
His Majesty’s Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson MP was also sworn in at the ceremony.
Speaking after the ceremony, His Majesty’s Attorney General, the Rt Hon Michael Ellis KC MP said:
Commenting on his new appointment, HM Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson MP said:
HM Attorney General is the Government’s chief legal advisor and also attends Cabinet. As well as providing advice to government, HM Law Officers (the Attorney General and Solicitor General) oversee the Law Officers’ Departments which include the Crown Prosecution Service, Serious Fraud Office, Government Legal Department and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.
HM Law Officers carry out a number of functions in the public interest, such as considering unduly lenient sentences and taking action when there has been a contempt of court. These functions are carried out independently of their role as government ministers.
The Rt Hon Michael Ellis KC MP was first appointed Attorney General on 2 March 2021 and held office until 10 September 2021. He was reappointed on 6 September 2022.
Michael Tomlinson MP was appointed as Solicitor General for England and Wales on 7 September 2022.