Clara Swinson appointed as Second Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice has today (11 March 2026) announced that Clara Swinson CB has been appointed as the new Second Permanent Secretary.
The appointment has been made with the approval of the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
Her appointment is part of the government’s plan to reform the justice system. As Second Permanent Secretary, she will provide leadership across the Criminal Justice System in taking forward the government’s response to Sir Brian Leveson’s Independent Review of the Criminal Courts.
Clara is currently Second Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office.
The Secretary of State for Justice and the Deputy Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. David Lammy said:
I am pleased that Clara Swinson is joining the Ministry of Justice bringing her extensive experience to this role. I look forward to working with Clara to deliver our plan for faster and fairer justice for victims by combining investment, reform, and modernisation.
Permanent Secretary MOJ, Dr Jo Farrar said:
I am delighted to welcome Clara to the Ministry of Justice. Clara brings a wealth of experience, of working across systems, both from her current role in the Cabinet Office and her time at the Department of Health and Social Care. I look forward to working with her in the Ministry of Justice.
Clara Swinson said:
I am very pleased to be joining the Ministry of Justice at such a critical time and taking forward the government’s response to Sir Brian Leveson’s important recommendations for the criminal justice system.
Clara will take up her new post in April 2026.