In a historic ceremony, Shabana Mahmood was sworn in as the UK’s first female Muslim Lord Chancellor at the Royal Courts of Justice.
Swearing her oath on the Holy Quran, Mahmood expressed gratitude and commitment, reflecting on her journey from a Birmingham corner shop to her prestigious role, Dawn reported.
“Being the ‘first’ is both a privilege and a burden. Getting this right can open doors for future generations, showing that even the oldest titles of the land are within reach for us all,” Mahmood stated.
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She highlighted the significance of her achievement for future generations and noted her distinction as the first Lord Chancellor who speaks Urdu.
Presiding over the ceremony, Dame Sue Carr, the first female Chief Justice, highlighted the multiple historic elements of the occasion.
“Today marks a ‘triple first’: the first Lord Chancellor to swear on the Quran, the first female Lord Chancellor, and the first time a female Chief Justice has sworn in a Lord Chancellor,” Carr said.
“These milestones represent the ongoing evolution of our constitution to mirror the society it serves.”
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The event was attended by prominent figures, including Law Society President Nick Emmerson and Bar Chair Sam Townend KC, who praised Ms Mahmood’s dedication to justice and anticipated her positive impact on the legal system.
Mahmood pledged to continue “defending the international rule of law and upholding human rights” as she was sworn in at a ceremony in London.
She also said that the judiciary must make decisions “without political pressure and undue influence,” pledging to be a “champion for the rule of law” during the event at the Royal Courts of Justice.