My Lords, Ladies, friends, colleagues,

Lady Chief Justice, thank you for that generous welcome, and your kind words.

I am deeply grateful for your leadership…

And look forward to working alongside you…

In the months and years ahead.

I congratulate my colleague and friend, Ellie Reeves…

On her appointment as Solicitor General.

Madam Solicitor, your dedication…

Your expertise…

And your energy…

Will be of enormous value to this Government…

And to this country…

And I know you will serve the law with distinction.

I also want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Shabana Mahmood…

Who achieved so much in her time in this office…

Steering the system back onto a steadier path…

After such difficult years.

It is the honour of my life to be sworn in as Lord Chancellor.

The boy from Totte

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