The Cabinet Office has rejected calls for an investigation into potential conflicts of interest surrounding the Attorney General, Lord Hermer. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick had requested a probe into Lord Hermer’s past clients, including former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, but this was rejected by Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald.
In a statement to the House of Commons, Solicitor General Lucy Rigby defended the Attorney General’s Office, stating it has “an established and rigorous process for identifying and dealing with conflicts and potential conflicts.” She maintained that where conflicts are identified, the Attorney General will recuse himself from relevant matters.
However, the opposition has raised concerns over the management of conflicts of interest at the highest levels of government legal services. Shadow Solicitor General Helen Grant said the “proper administration of justice” demands “absolute clarity” on how such conflicts are handled.
Grant pointed to Lord Hermer’s previous representation of Mr Adams, for which he received £30,000, in a damages claim brought by IRA bombing victims. She stressed this was not about Lord Hermer’s legal career, but rather the mechanisms for recusal when matters involving former clients come before the government.
The Tories have questioned whether Lord Hermer’s position remains tenable given his extensive litigation history against the government. Solicitor General Rigby insisted that where conflicts arise, the Attorney General will recuse himself, but she refused to comment on specific cases or advice provided by law officers.
The Cabinet Secretary has confirmed that the arrangements to avoid conflicts of interest have been properly followed since Lord Hermer’s appointment. However, the opposition has warned that the proper management of such conflicts is not optional, but fundamental to upholding standards and integrity in government.
