Suella Braverman’s dual role as attorney general and declared prime ministerial candidate has caused a certain amount of constitutional head-scratching. But one question - why hasn’t the PM sacked her - was coincidentally cleared up yesterday by a predecessor.
Appearing before the House of Lords Constitution Committee in its seemingly interminable inquiry into the role of the lord chancellor and law officers, Dominic Grieve QC explained that the appointment is not strictly in the PM’s gift. One David Cameron discovered this in 2014 when he called Grieve in to dispense with his services with immediate effect.
A mandarin tactfully reminded the PM that, just as Her Majesty the Queen must give permission before attorneys general can travel abroad, royal assent is likewise required for a dismissal. Grieve had to remain in post for an extra day.
'About six months later I got one day’s extra emolument,' he recalled. We’re sure that Grieve - definitely one of the more likeable recent holders of the role - gave value for money.
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