Labour Leader Appoints Former Party Chief's Daughter as Scotland's Top Legal Adviser

The UK government has announced the appointment of Catherine Smith KC as the new Advocate General for Scotland, a move that has drawn attention due to her familial ties to the Labour Party. Smith, the youngest daughter of former Labour leader John Smith, who led the party from 1992 until his untimely death in 1994, will now serve as the government's principal legal adviser on Scottish matters.

This appointment comes at a time when Sir Keir Starmer, the current Labour leader, faces scrutiny over alleged cronyism in civil service appointments. The Advocate General role, established in 1999 following the Scotland Act 1998, is a ministerial position that requires Smith to oversee the government's legal team in Scotland and provide counsel on devolution issues.

Smith's professional background includes involvement with the Scottish Covid Inquiry, launched in February 2022, and chairing the John Smith Centre for Public Service, an organization founded in 2014 to promote positive political engagement. Her appointment to this prestigious position will be accompanied by a life peerage, allowing her to take her place in the House of Lords, which currently has approximately 800 members.

"It is a great honour to be appointed the Advocate General for Scotland and join the team of UK Government law officers. I look forward to playing my part in protecting and promoting the rule of law and contributing to this government's commitment to public service."

The appointment has reignited debates about political influence in civil service roles. Recent controversies include the appointment of a Labour donor to a senior Treasury position and a businesswoman with party connections to a directorship in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, created in February 2023.

These developments have impacted Starmer's approval ratings, with polling companies such as YouGov and Ipsos MORI reporting a decline in public support. The Labour leader has dismissed criticisms as political attacks, but independent experts have also voiced concerns about the appointments' propriety.

The UK Civil Service, employing around 456,000 people as of 2023, has long-standing principles of impartiality and merit-based appointments overseen by the Civil Service Commission since 1855. However, the recent string of appointments has raised questions about adherence to these principles.

As the government faces increased scrutiny, the focus on maintaining ethical standards in public office intensifies. The Cabinet Office's Propriety and Constitution Group, where another controversial appointment was made, plays a crucial role in upholding these standards.

With the Labour Party's history dating back to 1900 and a total of 33 years in government, the current situation presents a significant challenge for Starmer as he navigates allegations of cronyism while preparing for potential future governance.