Editor, Solicitors Journal

Grayling the diversity champion

6 Nov 2015News

Former Lord Chancellor Chris Grayling has been awarded the title of 'Conservative MP of the Parliamentary Term 2010-2015' by a diversity organisation.

The Patchwork Foundation recognises MPs' work for under-represented, deprived, and minority communities.

The leader of the House of Commons was minister of state for employment from 2010 until 2012 before replacing Ken Clarke MP as the justice secretary.

The award will come as a surprise to most lawyers after the 'dementor' was heavily criticised during his tenure at the Ministry of Justice.

From carrying out legal aid cuts to initiating the repeal of the Human Rights Act, Grayling's actions as justice secretary are arguably undeserving of an award which celebrates the protection of others' welfare.

The argument gains further weight given Grayling's cocktail of defeats in the House of Lords over plans to restrict judicial review via the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill.

Grayling was heavily criticised for his attempts to ban books being sent to prisons, a policy that was eventually quashed by the High Court.

The MP's failings were also underlined when he was portrayed as a supervillain in a cartoon video highlighting the effects of cuts to legal aid.

It is somewhat ironic that Grayling can win this award, given that his 'achievements' have led to the courts becoming bogged down with unrepresented and vulnerable people unable to access justice.

Legal News desk contact: editorial@solicitorsjournal.com

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