Alison Saunders appointed DPP

Alison Saunders has been named as the new director of public prosecutions (DPP).

She will become only the second female DPP when she replaces Keir Starmer in November following the end of his five-year term. It is the first time the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has appointed an internal candidate to the post.

Ms Saunders has worked with the CPS since its formation in 1986 and has been involved in some of most high-profile prosecutions in the UK, including ‘Railway Rapist’ David Mulcahy. She was head of the CPS’ organised crime division for five years from 2005 and became London’s Chief Crown Prosecutor in December 2010.

Ms Saunders said she was “delighted and privileged” to become the next DPP, adding she was looking forward to following up the “fantastic work” carried out by Mr Starmer.

“To lead an organisation of committed and professional staff is an honour, especially having worked for the CPS since its inception,” she said.

Mr Starmer welcomed his successor’s appointment, adding: “She has been an outstanding leader within the CPS and she will make a first-rate DPP.”

Attorney General Dominic Grieve praised Ms Saunders’ qualities, claiming her promotion showed the efficacy of the CPS as an organisation, and paid tribute to Mr Starmer for his work as DPP.

“Alison will make an excellent DPP and is the right person to help the CPS meet the challenges it will face in the coming years,” he said.

“I am particularly pleased that Alison is the first head of the CPS to be appointed from within its ranks as proof of the high quality of the professionals that work within the service.

“I’d also like to thank Keir Starmer for the great contribution he has made not only to the CPS, but more generally to the criminal justice system. He can be proud of the reforms that he and his staff have led to keep our criminal justice system one of the best in the world.”