Richard Keen QC named as Cameron's Advocate General

Richard Keen QC, chairman of the Scottish Conservative Party, has been appointed Advocate General for Scotland, the Prime Minister's office confirmed today.

The announcement ends three weeks of speculation following the general election, with discussion as to whether certain legal proceedings could be brought or continued in the absence of a Scots law officer for the UK Government.

Mr Keen, who will have a life peerage conferred on him, took up his party office in 2013 after serving six years as Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, the longest period of any Dean in recent times.

A high profile Queen's Counsel, his notable cases include the Lockerbie bombing trial, when he defended the acquitted accused Al-Amin Khalifa Fhimah. 

Congratulating Mr Keen, Christine McLintock, President of the Law Society of Scotland, said: "Richard is highly respected for his legal knowledge and expertise and I have no doubt that he will bring his wealth of experience to this important role at a time of significant change and important debate about Scotland’s future."