No ruff time for Raab

Lord chancellor’s swearing-in today hides subtle constitutional shift

A subtle but significant shift in the UK’s infinitely flexible uncodified constitution will been seen today when Dominic Raab takes his oath of office as lord high chancellor of Great Britain. Or, to be more accurate, will not be seen. Why should that be?

Raab served as lord chancellor and justice secretary from September last year to September of this year. Liz Truss appointed Brandon Lewis as his successor. Rishi Sunak brought Raab back last week to replace Lewis.

Raab’s first swearing-in took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in September 2021. He had what I described as a “ruff time”. Raab arrived later than expected and the ceremony was delayed by 25 minutes. That, I speculated, was because of a wardrobe malfunction.

Look at the collar of his shirt.