Sir Robert Buckland (born 22 September 1968) is a British Conservative politician and lawyer who has represented Swindon South in the House of Commons since his election in 2010. He held senior ministerial office in the governments of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, serving as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice from July 2019 to September 2021, and later as Secretary of State for Wales from 7 July 2022 to 25 October 2022.

Trained as a barrister, Buckland worked in private practice and on the criminal and civil courts circuit before entering Parliament. He was appointed as a senior legal figure and has the postnominals KC, indicating his status as a King's Counsel. Before becoming Lord Chancellor he served in law officer roles in government, gaining direct experience of prosecution and public law matters.

Ministerial roles and responsibilities

As Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice he combined a historic constitutional office with political leadership of the justice system. His remit covered courts, prisons, probation, legal aid and constitutional issues relating to the judiciary. While Justice Secretary he led departmental responses to operational challenges and reforms, including efforts to modernise court processes and to manage the justice system during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Political career and constituency work

Buckland is a member of the Conservative Party and has held his Swindon South seat since the 2010 general election, first won at that year's poll. In Parliament he has sat on committees and taken part in debates on criminal justice, devolution and local issues affecting his constituency. His constituency duties include representing local interests in Westminster and engaging with community stakeholders.

Policies, reforms and public profile

During his ministerial tenure Buckland was associated with attempts to speed up court business through digitalisation, to address prison capacity and to reform aspects of legal aid and sentencing policy. He strove to balance public safety, access to justice and respect for legal protections while responding to practical constraints within the justice system.

Honours, distinctions and further reading

Buckland holds the style Sir and the honour KBE, and has been recognised for his legal and public service contributions. For further official information see his parliamentary and departmental profiles: the Lord Chancellor role is explained at this resource, and details of his constituency and electoral record are available via constituency sources.

  • Key offices: Solicitor General (prior ministerial legal office), Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (2019–2021), Secretary of State for Wales (2022)
  • Affiliation: Conservative Party
  • Member of Parliament for: Swindon South