The Ministry of Justice has confirmed the appointment of Clara Swinson CB as its new Second Permanent Secretary. The announcement, made by the Permanent Secretary, marks a key step in the government’s ongoing efforts to reform the justice system. The move has received formal approval from both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister.

Swinson moves to the department from her current role as Second Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office. Her new responsibilities will focus on providing leadership across the Criminal Justice System. A primary part of her remit involves overseeing the government’s response to the recommendations made by Sir Brian Leveson in his Independent Review of the Criminal Courts. She is expected to take up the position in April 2026.

Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy welcomed the appointment, noting Swinson’s extensive history in the civil service. Her previous experience includes significant roles within the Department of Health and Social Care, as well as her recent work at the heart of government in the Cabinet Office. Officials suggest her background in managing complex systems will be vital for the ministry’s modernisation plans.

“I am pleased that Clara Swinson is joining the Ministry of Justice bringing her extensive experience to this role. I look forward to working with Clara to deliver our plan for faster and fairer justice for victims by combining investment, reform, and modernisation,” said David Lammy.

Dr Jo Farrar, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, also shared her support for the move. She highlighted Swinson’s ability to work across different departments and systems as a major asset for the Ministry. Swinson herself expressed her readiness to begin work on the government’s response to the Leveson recommendations at what she described as a critical moment for the department.

“I am delighted to welcome Clara to the Ministry of Justice. Clara brings a wealth of experience, of working across systems, both from her current role in the Cabinet Office and her time at the Department of Health and Social Care. I look forward to working with her in the Ministry of Justice,” said Dr Jo Farrar.

Clara Swinson added: “I am very pleased to be joining the Ministry of Justice at such a critical time and taking forward the government’s response to Sir Brian Leveson’s important recommendations for the criminal justice system.”