Our latest lord chancellor has done a big favour to those struggling to put a face to his name. The MoJ’s X account has posted a short video of a blue-suited man in glasses sitting down in an office chair, attaching a microphone to his lapel and adjusting his red tie.
‘One two, one two, testing, testing,’ he says. ‘Hi, I’m Alex Norris, the new lord chancellor. It’s day one. Let’s get started.’ Thanks, Alex.
Strictly speaking, we’re not sure Norris is lord chancellor as he has yet to be formally sworn in. This ceremony traditionally takes place in the Royal Courts of Justice after the new incumbent has processed along Carey Street in wig and robes behind the tipstaff and the mace of office. The lord chancellor-to-be is then greeted on the steps by the lady chief justice and master of the rolls before going inside to deliver a short speech about rising from humble origins and the importance of the rule of law.
As for all great state ceremonial events, competition for seats inside the court will be fierce (though Obiter prefers to watch from the Seven Stars pub opposite). This time, a seat will have to be found for a special guest: the home secretary.
This week’s infamous ‘hot mic’ incident caught Shabana Mahmood asking Norris: ‘When do you do your swearing-in?’
‘A couple of weeks, I guess,’ Norris replied.
‘Tell me when it is, I’ll come around. I want to come,’ said Norris’s predecessor-but-one.
Whatever the date, the good folk at judicial outfitter Ede & Ravenscroft will have to get their skates on: Trinity Term ends next Friday, and the lady chief justice and master of the rolls are no doubt looking forward to some well-earned time off.
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