Mahmood has become the first Muslim woman appointed to the post and taking her oath of allegiance on the Holy Quran.

She took oath in the presence of Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr, the President of the Supreme Court Robert Reed and the Chancellor of the High Court Julian Flaux.

According to the UK media reports, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has pledged to continue "defending the international rule of law and upholding human rights".

The MP shared the news at X and wrote: "Today I was honoured to be sworn in as Lord Chancellor, promising to defend our independent judiciary from interference and undue pressure.

The 43-year-old Labour Party member said, "I will be a champion of the Rule of Law. 900 years into this ancient role, it is more vital than ever before."

Mahmood said in her speech that she was "the first Lord Chancellor to speak Urdu". She said the new Labour government would continue "defending the international rule of law and upholding human rights" in line with the European Convention on Human Rights, drawn up after the Second World War.

She also acknowledged the challenges faced by the justice system, adding that more should be done to provide access to justice for women and girls "who are the victims of violence and abuse".

Addressing the Lord Chancellor, Carr said: "There will no doubt be challenges and choices to be made today and tomorrow. That is an inevitable feature of governing.

"We will work with you and your ministers as you face these demands. I very much look forward to forging a stable, long-term partnership with you as Lord Chancellor within, of course, constitutional bounds, in the service of justice and the achievement of justice."