Episode description
Shabana Mahmood is the new Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.
Born in Birmingham in a Kashmiri Pakistani family, she has three siblings, one of whom is her twin. From an early age her father ensured that the children were aware of the world around them, and made them each read five minutes from the Times newspaper every evening.
Inspired by the 1990's TV series, 'Kavanagh QC' to become a lawyer, Shabana Mahmood attended Lincoln College, Oxford University, a year below a certain Rishi Sunak.
After a few years working in law, she changed career and moved into politics, in 2010 winning the seat of Birmingham Ladywood for Labour, which she has held to date. Stephen Smith talks to those who know her.
CONTRIBUTORS William Audland, KC 12 Kings' Bench Walk Chambers David Gauke, former Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Jane Haynes, Journalist Birmingham Live/Mail Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, former Chair of the Conservative Party and Minister without Portfolio. Lord Tom Watson, former MP West Bromwich East and Deputy Leader of the Labour party
PRODUCTION TEAM Presenter: Stephen Smith Producers: Diane Richardson, Julie Ball Editor: Penny Murphy Sound: Hal Haines Production Coordinators: Maria Ogundele, Rosie Strawbridge
CREDITS Kavanagh QC - Central TV for ITV productions