The Ministry of Justice opened its doors for business this morning. It creates the image of a chicken running about without its head. Because the less than honourable Rt Hon Lord Falconer of Thoroton QC, Lord Chancellor and temporary Secretary of State for Justice, has his head on the chopping block and it is about to roll when Gordon Brown takes over the reins of power from Tony Blair.
So, who is going to be the new Secretary of State for Justice? According to the Torygraph, Geoff Hoon has been tipped for the job. I recall when he became Minister for Defence the media asked Geoff Who? I telephoned someone in the Prison Service, who informed me that upon arriving at the office there was a notice upon the door which stated "Welcome to the Ministry of Justice". I asked, "Do we know who the new Minister of Justice is going to be?". And the reply was, "I haven't got a clue". When I mentioned who the Torygraph had tipped for the job, this was met by a groan, followed by a "Oh my God!". Not a popular choice there then. Hilary Benn would inspire more confidence there I am led to believe.
In any event, here is the roll call from the new Ministry of Justice website, which appears to be a work under construction;
08 May 2007
Following Her Majesty The Queen's approval to new Ministerial appointments, 10 Downing Street announced the ministers in the Ministry of Justice will be from 9 May 2007:
* The Rt Hon Lord Falconer of Thoroton QC (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
* The Rt Hon Harriet Harman QC MP (Minister of State)
* The Rt Hon David Hanson MP (Minister of State)
* The Rt Hon Baroness Ashton of Upholland (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State)
* Gerry Sutcliffe MP (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State)
* Bridget Prentice MP (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State)
* Vera Baird MP (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State).
This new department now has 7 ministers compared to the Home Office which only has 6.
UPDATE: Prisons crisis on day one of new justice ministry.
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