Douglas Wilson has been appointed as the next permanent secretary of the Government Legal Department, a role which also brings with it the titles of Treasury solicitor and HM procurator general.
Wilson, who is currently director general at the Attorney General’s Office will succeed outgoing GLD perm sec Susanna McGibbon on 13 April. She announced plans to leave the civil service in the spring at the start of this year.
Wilson has held his AGO role since 2021. He previously held senior legal posts at GCHQ and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Cabinet secretary Dame Antonia Romeo appointed Wilson to his new roles with the approval of both prime minister Keir Starmer and the King – as becoming HM procurator general requires a royal warrant.
Romeo said Wilson would bring a wealth of experience from across government to the GLD.
“I look forward to working with Doug and his team as they deliver legislation that supports the British public and innovates to improve the services on which they rely,” she said.
“I would like to thank Susanna McGibbon for her exceptional service over a 33-year career in the civil service, and in particular for the last five years in her role as Treasury solicitor.”
Attorney general Richard Hermer described Wilson as “an exceptional public servant and lawyer”. He also paid tribute to McGibbon for her service.
Wilson said it would be “an honour” to lead the dedicated professionals at GLD and lawyers across government in the wider government legal profession.
“Having been in service to the UK at home and overseas for the last 25 years, I’ve seen first-hand how committed and creative lawyers can help government get difficult things done,” he said.
“My focus will be on ensuring that we have brilliant lawyers in the right places, are at the heart of enabling reform within government, and thrive as a legal service fit for the future.”
Wilson’s appointment followed an external recruitment exercise chaired by first civil service commissioner Gisela Stuart.
Cab sec Romeo is expected to announce arrangements for appointing Wilson’s successor at the AGO in due course.