Raab jobs constitutionally at odds - Expert Comment

Dr Mark Shanahan, associate professor in politics, University of Reading, an expert in the UK parliamentary system, said: 

"While the changes in the reshuffle and their repercussions will take a while to absorb, from a constitutional point of view, the appointment of Dominic Raab both as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, as well as being appointed Deputy Prime Minister is intriguing. 

"His Justice appointment should be about defending an independent judiciary whose role is to uphold the law. As Deputy Prime Minister, his role is overtly political and puts him in the front line for driving political gain for the Government. 

"At best, these two roles sit uneasily. At worst, they're completely at odds. Mr Raab may find himself having to perform political gymnastics to maintain consistent positions on some key issues that arise, particularly with a justice system that has been handed deep funding cuts and which has been under more pressure due to pandemic delays."