Quick Facts
Biography
Richard Simon Hermer KC (born September 1968) is a British barrister who has served as Attorney General for England and Wales and Advocate General for Northern Ireland since July 2024. He is due to be conferred with a life peerage.
Early life and education
Hermer was born and raised in Wales, and attended Cardiff High School. He studied politics and modern history at the University of Manchester. Hermer is Jewish.
Career
Hermer was called to the bar in October 1993, and was appointed Queen's Counsel (QC) in 2009. He acted as an advisor to the Labour Party regarding a proposed Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions bill.
On 5 July 2024, Hermer was appointed Attorney General under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, succeeding Victoria Prentis. His appointment to the position was reported as a surprise, since Labour MP Emily Thornberry had served in Starmer's shadow cabinet as the Shadow Attorney General.
