Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, is once again at the center of controversy.
Critics claim he has been making secret visits to the Prime Minister’s private flat, lobbying to water down government policies that could conflict with human rights law.
This has sparked frustration among ministers who feel the longstanding human rights lawyer is using his close friendship with Keir Starmer to bypass traditional Cabinet channels.
A Special Relationship With the Prime Minister
According to government insiders, Hermer enjoys an unusually close rapport with the Prime Minister.
One source described him as “the most powerful man in government,” noting that he is the only Cabinet member routinely invited to Starmer’s flat for informal political discussions.
The source added: “Things are agreed in the office, then Hermer goes upstairs and the PM changes his mind.
Starmer is pragmatic, but Hermer brings out the human rights lawyer in him every time.”
Echoes of the ‘Sofa Government’
The arrangement has drawn comparisons to Tony Blair’s infamous “sofa government,” where a small group of ministers made key decisions in off-the-record meetings, excluding the wider Cabinet.
For critics, Hermer has become a symbol of Labour’s approach, prioritizing international human rights law over what some see as the public interest.
Defending His Role
Allies of Lord Hermer dismiss the allegations as unfounded.
One spokesperson emphasized that ministers routinely consult the Prime Minister on policy issues.
“The Attorney General’s job is to work with colleagues to ensure the government delivers on its promises,” the source said. They argue that claims of undue influence are baseless, noting that no concrete examples of watered-down policies have been provided.
Opposition Criticism
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick did not mince words.
He accused Hermer of effectively running the government and described Starmer as “a puppet of the hard Left.”
Jenrick cited examples ranging from the Chagos Islands settlement to policies affecting veterans in Northern Ireland, asserting that Hermer has consistently undermined British interests.
A Surprising Appointment
Hermer’s rise to Attorney General was unexpected.
At 57, he replaced Dame Emily Thornberry shortly after Labour’s election victory, entering the House of Lords almost immediately.
A former head of Matrix Chambers, which Cherie Blair co-founded, Hermer shares a long history with Starmer, having worked with him at Doughty Street Chambers and even contributing to his leadership campaign in 2020.
Controversies and Conflicts
Hermer’s tenure has not been without scrutiny.
Earlier this year, he faced criticism over conflicts of interest for declining to disclose earnings from representing high-profile clients such as Gerry Adams and Shamima Begum.
He also played a key role in decisions like compensating Guantanamo detainee Abu Zubaydah and transferring control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Human Rights at the Core
A consistent theme in Hermer’s career is his commitment to human rights.
He has pledged to keep them central to government policy, linking them even to economic growth.
He insists the UK will remain in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), despite concerns from the Home Office about its impact on controlling illegal migration.
Last year, he apologized for a controversial speech likening ECHR critics to the Nazis.
The Road Ahead
Lord Hermer remains a polarizing figure.
Whether championing human rights or drawing ire from his political opponents, his influence within the Prime Minister’s inner circle is undeniable—and will likely continue to shape debates over the balance between law, policy, and public interest.
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