Jonathan Jones, legal adviser to the Home Office and Northern Ireland Office, has been appointed Treasury solicitor and HM procurator-general.

He will replace Paul Jenkins, who has held the post since 2006, on 1 March. Jones is a barrister and bencher at Middle Temple.

Attorney general Dominic Grieve QC said: ‘This post is a crucial one, especially as more and more of the legal advisory functions of the government are coming under the umbrella of the Treasury Solicitor’s Department.

‘His predecessor will be a hard act to follow, but I know that Jonathan has the right combination of vision and professional skills to rise to the challenge.’

Jones (pictured) said: ‘This is an exciting time for the department and the Government Legal Service: we have already made great progress in creating an enhanced shared legal service for government, and I am delighted to have the opportunity of building on that work to achieve tangible benefits for clients and the best possible careers for our talented and dedicated people.’

Cabinet secretary, Jeremy Heywood, praised Jones’ ‘first-class legal skills’ and ‘strong track record in advising on the most complex and difficult issues of the day’.

He said: ‘He will provide strong leadership for the department and the Government Legal Service in delivering its priorities and setting a clear vision and direction for the future.’

The Treasury Solicitor’s Department advertised the role with a salary between £160,000-£180,000.