A NEW UK Justice Minister has been appointed who will be responsible for ties with Jersey and the other Crown Dependencies.
Shabana Mahmood, who is a former barrister and one of the UK’s first female Muslim MPs, was appointed Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice following Labour’s landslide victory in last week’s general election.
The 43-year-old has represented Birmingham Ladywood since 2010 and secured 15,558 votes in her constituency, winning 42.5% of the vote.
Jersey’s External Relations Minister Ian Gorst congratulated the MP on her appointment.
“I look forward to continuing Jersey’s close relationship with the UK government and working together to benefit our shared interests,” Deputy Gorst said.
Ms Mahmood is the second woman after Liz Truss to hold the position of Lord Chancellor.
The Oxford University graduate specialised in professional indemnity cases before entering politics.
Throughout her political career, Ms Mahmood has been a member of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East and has described herself as a supporter of Palestinian rights.
Speaking to the JEP last week following Labour’s election victory, Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said: “I don’t see any major changes in our relationship, as we have worked closely with the UK through the Ministry of Justice on matters affecting Jersey, and I expect that to continue as usual.
“We have always been treated fairly in our dealings.”
