In Gove’s old robes, it’s Lord Chancellor Liz
LIZ Truss yesterday became the first female Lord Chancellor in 800 years, donning the ceremonial robes worn by her male predecessors.
It had been thought she would need a new version of the outfit, which is richly embroidered with gold thread.
However the robes were instead sent to the tailors and taken up. The same garments have been worn by Ken Clarke, Chris Grayling and Michael Gove – men of very different shapes and sizes – said officials
Mrs Truss ,who is also the Justice Secretary, is the first female Lord Chancellor in modern history. The last woman to hold the Great Seal of the Realm was Queen Matilda, during the reign of King Stephen in the 12th century.
The ceremony , where Mrs Truss took the Oath of Allegiance, was presided over by the Lord Chief Justice, the Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, at the Royal Courts of Justice.
In her speech, former environment secretary Mrs Truss said she wanted to see British judges held in higher esteem.
‘We have the greatest judiciary in the world, with a reputation for excellence, incorruptibility, objectivity and independence,’ she said.
‘I would like to see that reputation acknowledged more widely at home.’
Her appointment has attracted some controversy because she is not a lawyer. Earlier this week justice minister Lord Faulks quit over her appointment, questioning whether her lack of experience would be ‘damaging to the justice system’.
However, other non-lawyers have held the post – including Mr Grayling and the recently sacked Mr Gove.