The holder of this title is one of the highest officials in states with a monarchical structure, which is the United Kingdom. Among other countries where this title is used or has ever been used, it is worth mentioning Ireland, Scotland, England and Sweden.
A bit of history
In the Middle Ages, such an official was the secretary of the king and kept his correspondence, including confidential. In addition to performing clerical work, he was an adviser to the sovereign in church matters, and he was also trusted by the royal press. Accordingly, he remained indispensable in matters relating to the expression of the royal will.
Under the first king of the Plantagenet dynasty, who ruled Henry II at the end of the 12th century, this official was in second place after the Justiciary, whose competence included not only legal functions, but also royal ones during the absence of the sovereign. Over time, this post disappeared, and his duties were inherited by the Lord Chancellor of England. The most famous figure ever to hold this position was Thomas More, who lived during the time of Henry VIII and was executed by him on charges of treason.
Initially, the highest state post was entrusted only to clergy. Since the beginning of the XVII century, he goes to secular individuals, mainly with a legal education and, as a rule, peers of the English kingdom.
The post of Lord Chancellor of Great Britain was formed as a result of the merger of previously separate similar posts in Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales. A senior state official became Minister of Justice in 2003 after the merger of his department with the judiciary.
In 2005, Tony Blair’s government carried out a reform that changed the functions of a senior government official. The post of Lord Speaker, historically owned by him, is now severed and surrendered to a politically impartial candidate. Lord Chief Justice led justice in England and Wales.
The full official name of the post is Lord Supreme Chancellor of Great Britain. The appointment of a dignitary for a five-year term is the prerogative of the queen. It is preceded by the approval issued by the Prime Minister.
Duties of an official
The incumbent is endowed with important functions in all three branches of the government: judicial, executive and legislative:
- As head of the legal department, he takes part in the selection of royal judges, royal lawyers and heads of the High Court of England and Wales. He is the chief legal adviser to the UK government and chairman of the Supreme Court.
- As a member of the government, he runs the judicial system in the United Kingdom, and is a member of the Privy Council and the Cabinet of Ministers.
- He is the chairman, takes part in debates and voting in the highest legislative body of Great Britain - Parliament (House of Lords).
Interesting fact: this senior government official performs some functions related to the Church of England. For example, he appoints clergy in more than four hundred parishes and is one of thirteen members of the church who administer her property.
Since 1937, the Lord Chancellor is one of five persons involved in determining the ability to fulfill sovereign duties.
In addition to his core business, a senior UK official should act as a guest on trips to the country's educational, medical, and charitable institutions.
Currently, the post of Minister of Justice and Lord Chancellor is held by 47-year-old David Gauk. This is the first lawyer to take the third most important post in the country. Educated at Oxford Law University.
Position of statesman
The Lord Chancellor of Great Britain is the country's highest ranking officer. The importance of this post is reflected in the High Treason Act. It considers the killing of a dignitary as high treason.
The salary of this official is higher than that of any other official, including the Prime Minister, and amounts to 227 thousand pounds a year. He also has an annual pension of 106 thousand pounds.
Lord Chancellor - an unofficial title. At government receptions, he should be contacted by "Hon." The position of a senior official in the UK privilege ranking is so high that only the royal family and prominent church representatives are ahead of him; technically superior to the prime minister, although he has more power.