UK
In a historic appointment, Shabana Mahmood, a British-Pakistani Member of Parliament (MP) from Birmingham, has been sworn in as the United Kingdom’s new Lord Chancellor. This milestone makes her the first Muslim woman to head the Ministry of Justice as the Secretary of State for Justice. The ceremony took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
An Influential Career in Politics
Shabana Mahmood, aged 43, is a member of the Labour Party and has represented Birmingham Ladywood since 2010. Throughout her political career, she has held various shadow junior ministerial and shadow cabinet positions under leaders Ed Miliband, Harriet Harman, and Keir Starmer from 2010 to 2024.
Upon being sworn in, Mahmood expressed her gratitude and reflected on her journey. “I must say what an honor it is to take my own oath as Lord Chancellor today,” she stated. “There once was a little girl in Small Heath, one of the poorest areas of Birmingham who worked behind the till in her parents’ corner shop.”
She emphasized the significance of holding this office not just as a former barrister but as the child of immigrants. Her parents, who moved to the UK from rural Kashmir, instilled in her a strong belief in the rule of law and justice.
Inspiration and Aspirations
In her speech, Mahmood drew inspiration from former Lord Chancellor Elwyn-Jones, who served from 1974 to 1979. She remarked on his legacy and her hope to emulate his longevity in office. “I wonder what he would’ve made of the first Lord Chancellor to speak Urdu,” she mused.
Mahmood highlighted the importance of representation and encouraged young girls, particularly from diverse backgrounds, to aspire to reach high positions. “It is a privilege, but also a burden… So, at the very least, I hope my appointment shows the next little girl in Small Heath, or wherever she may be, that, in this country, even the oldest offices in the land are within reach of us all.”
Commitment to Justice
Mahmood concluded her speech by quoting Chapter 4, Verse 135 of the Qur’an: “O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin and whether it be (against) rich or poor: For Allah can best protect both.”
“This is the fundamental articulation of how we, as Muslims, view justice in how we deal with the world,” Mahmood stated, emphasizing her commitment to placing justice above all else.
A Journey from Humble Beginnings
Shabana Mahmood’s roots trace back to Mirpur, Pakistan. She was born in Birmingham in 1980 and spent part of her childhood in Taif, Saudi Arabia, where her father worked as a civil engineer. Upon returning to England, her family bought a corner grocery shop in Birmingham, where her mother worked.
Her father became chair of the local Labour Party, and Mahmood actively participated in campaigning for local elections as a teenager. She graduated from Lincoln College, University of Oxford, in 2002 and completed the Bar Vocational Course at the Inns of Court School of Law in 2003, specializing in professional indemnity as a barrister.
Shabana Mahmood’s appointment as Lord Chancellor marks a significant milestone in British politics, reflecting the growing diversity and representation in leadership roles. Her journey from a humble background to one of the highest offices in the UK government is a testament to her dedication and commitment to justice.
