New Permanent Secretary at MOJ

Richard Heaton has been announced as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

Mr Heaton, currently Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office and First Parliamentary Counsel, will replace Ursula Brennan who is retiring.

The appointment was made by Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremey Haywood and approved by Prime Minister David Cameron and Civil Service Commissioner Sir David Normington.

Mr Heaton will begin his new position over the summer.

Justice Secretary Michael Gove said: “I am delighted Richard will be joining us. He joins at a challenging but exciting time. His skills and experience across government and record of leadership in policy, change and the legal field make him a great fit for the department. I am looking forward to working with him.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Heaton said: “I am very pleased to be moving to the MoJ, the subjects addressed by the department are where I have spent much of my working life and they are close to my heart.

“I am looking forward to working with the MoJ’s ministerial team and to leading the department’s very many talented and committed people through the next period of reform and transformation.”