At the end of 2024, many Labour insiders would have pointed to the means-testing of winter fuel payments or the announcement of significant tax hikes on businesses as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s most defining decisions. However, as 2025 unfolds, it’s becoming clear that Starmer’s most consequential move – the appointment of his long-time friend and colleague, Richard Hermer, as Attorney General – could shape the future of his government.
Hermer, one of the UK’s leading public law barristers, has worked with Starmer at Doughty Street Chambers in the early 2000s. Appointed to the House of Lords in July to take up the post of the government’s top legal officer, Hermer has since become a lightning rod for criticism.
Critics, particularly from the Conservative Party, have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, while some within Labour itself have expressed frustration at his perceived blocking of legislative progress. Attacks against him, ranging from his legal advice in government to his past associations and political views expressed on various platforms, have become a fixture of the media.
Despite this, many government figures, including those within the Home Office and Foreign Office, have defended Hermer. They argue that his influence has been positive, helping to refine and fix poorly drafted legislation. Senior ministers have praised him for ensuring that proposed laws are in line with both legal frameworks and the principles of good governance.
Hermer’s critics, however, point to certain high-profile areas where his approach is said to have slowed down progress. The Border Security Bill and the Hillsborough Law, which aims to establish a duty of candour for public officials, are seen as examples where Hermer’s insistence on process and legal scrutiny has delayed action. Some insiders suggest that Hermer’s legalistic mindset is impeding more politically-driven agendas.
Despite these frustrations, some within government have expressed that the attacks on Hermer are “deeply unfair.” A senior government source remarked, “If you were a member of the cabinet who wanted to know how to deliver on this government’s missions while also navigating the law, you couldn’t ask for someone with more ability.”
It seems Hermer has become a proxy for criticisms aimed at Starmer’s leadership. Maurice Glasman, a prominent figure in the Blue Labour movement, recently described Hermer as “an arrogant, progressive fool who thinks that law is a replacement for politics.” Starmer, who dislikes such harsh briefings, is likely aware that these attacks are as much about undermining him as they are about Hermer.
Some political insiders see this as part of a broader debate within Labour. One senior figure explained, “There are some people who think we need to adopt more Blue Labour ideas, and there’s a different strain which says, ‘This is government by lawyers for lawyers.’” Charles Falconer, the former shadow Attorney General, has also weighed in, suggesting that Hermer has been unfairly painted as an extreme progressive. Falconer stressed that Hermer is pragmatic and committed to advancing Labour’s objectives within the bounds of the law.
In addition to criticisms regarding domestic policies, Hermer has come under scrutiny for his involvement in foreign policy matters. His advice on issues such as handing sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and suspending certain arms sales to Israel has drawn sharp criticism. Some have suggested that these positions paint him as anti-Israel, though Hermer’s personal connections to the Jewish community and his fluent Hebrew are seen as counterarguments to this characterization.
Hermer’s past legal work has also been heavily scrutinized. His representation of Gerry Adams and his advice to Caribbean nations seeking reparations have led to accusations of conflicts of interest, though none of these claims have resulted in formal investigations. The prime minister’s independent ethics adviser and the Lords standards commissioner have both dismissed complaints about Hermer’s conduct.
Despite facing mounting attacks, Hermer has responded by engaging with Labour MPs, particularly those from the 2024 intake, in an effort to strengthen his position. Some suggest that his lack of political experience may have contributed to his difficulty in navigating the personal aspects of politics, but those close to him believe he will continue to serve as Attorney General for as long as Starmer stands by him.
Starmer himself came to Hermer’s defense during Prime Minister’s Questions, responding to a Tory MP’s inquiry about his confidence in Hermer’s motives. “Everybody’s entitled to legal representation in this country,” Starmer said. “If they now disagree with that principle, they should go and see the victims of very serious crime, including sexual crime, and tell them that victims will be cross-examined by perpetrators.”
For now, it seems that Hermer remains secure in his role. The pressure from critics is unlikely to dissipate soon, but Hermer’s allies insist that he will continue to serve with integrity and a commitment to ensuring Labour’s policies are both legally sound and effective. Whether Starmer will stand by him in the face of growing internal dissent remains to be seen, but for now, it appears Hermer won’t be going anywhere.
Stay tuned to London Pulse News for ongoing updates on Richard Hermer’s role and its impact on the Starmer government’s legal and political landscape.
