The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has appointed Douglas Wilson as the new Treasury Solicitor, HM Procurator General and Permanent Secretary, Government Legal Department (GLD). The HM Procurator General aspect of the role is made by Royal Warrant and has been approved by the King.
Douglas is currently Director General at the Attorney General’s Office. He has previously held legal senior roles in GCHQ and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The Attorney General, the Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC, said
Douglas Wilson KC is an exceptional public servant and lawyer, with a wealth of experience across a range of senior legal leadership positions. I am delighted to welcome him to his new role. I look forward to working with Doug to ensure that all Government lawyers continue to be empowered to be creative enablers, providing the best legal advice and identifying ways in which the policies of this Government can be lawfully and effectively delivered.
I would like to also pay tribute to Susanna McGibbon KC for her service as Treasury Solicitor and Head of the Government Legal Department. She exemplifies the best of public service, combining legal expertise with outstanding leadership and an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. I wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, said
Doug brings a wealth of experience and expertise from across Government to this important role. I look forward to working with Doug and his team as they deliver legislation that supports the British public and innovates to improve the services on which they rely.
I would like to thank Susanna McGibbon for her exceptional service over a 33 year career in the Civil Service, and in particular for the last five years in her role as Treasury Solicitor.
Doug Wilson KC said
It’s an honour to lead the dedicated professionals in the Government Legal Department and lawyers across government in the wider Government Legal Profession. Having been in service to the UK at home and overseas for the last twenty-five years, I’ve seen first-hand how committed and creative lawyers can help government get difficult things done. My focus will be on ensuring that we have brilliant lawyers in the right places, are at the heart of enabling reform within government, and thrive as a legal service fit for the future.
The appointment follows an external recruitment exercise chaired by the independent First Civil Service Commissioner.
Doug will start as GLD Permanent Secretary on the 13th April, with handover in the next two weeks. The Cabinet Secretary will announce arrangements for appointing his successor at the AGO in due course.