Background

Before entering politics, Michael Ellis MP was a practicing barrister in the criminal law field for 17 years. Almost all of his defence representation was for clients on legal aid who were unable to afford private legal representation. He ceased legal practice when he was elected to Parliament in 2010.

Political Career

"Ellis has held a variety of ministerial positions, including as Paymaster General (2021-22) and Minister for the Cabinet Office (2022). He also served as Solicitor General (2019-21), and Attorney General for six months in 2021 as maternity cover for Suella Braverman MP. He has also held roles at the Department for Transport and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

He was Parliamentary Private Secretary to Theresa May MP when she was Home Secretary and was appointed to Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (2016-18) following her election as Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister. "

View on portfolio

"The Attorney General is chief legal adviser to the Crown and has a number of independent public interest functions, as well as overseeing the Law Officers’ departments.

Ellis will already know the duties and expectations of this role having covered the post briefly in 2021. His role often advises on the legality of Government action, and could end up begin contentious is arguments over the Northern Ireland Protocol and the plan for deporting illegal migrants to Rwanda continues. "