Scottish law officers standing down

Scotland will have new law officers to serve its newly formed Government, after the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General confirmed their intention to leave office.

Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC, and Solicitor General Alison Di Rollo QC, who have both been in post since 2016, are both standing down.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said Mr Wolffe informed the First Minister last year that he intended to leave office following the recent election, and confirmed his intention before her re-election as First Minister by the Scottish Parliament. The Solicitor General has confirmed her intention to stand down at the same time.

Both will remain in office until new law officers are appointed. 

Mr Wolffe's time in office has been controversial, largely due to acts carried out before his appointment, as he has had to deal with the fallout from the attempts to prosecute individuals connected with the insolvency of Rangers FC. The Government could be liable for total payouts of over £100m following his admission that prosecutions were brought maliciously. His term has also covered the prosecution of former First Minister Alex Salmond, on charges of which he was acquitted.

The First Minister will nominate new law officers for the approval of the Scottish Parliament and then recommend their appointment to the Queen.