The UK government’s chief legal adviser has made history by becoming the UK’s first cabinet minister to take maternity leave in office, reports the Law Society Gazette of England and Wales.

Attorney general Suella Braverman announced on Twitter earlier this week that she was starting her maternity leave and would become the first ‘minister on leave’.

The Gazette says the UK government quickly rushed through the Ministerial and other Maternity Allowances Act 2021 to allow her to take maternity leave, otherwise she would likely have had to resign.

Landmark moment

“This is a landmark moment for the UK government and I hope it sends the message to young women who are interested in pursuing a career in politics that having a young family isn’t out of bounds to them if they wish to work in senior roles,” said Braverman, who added that she looked forward to returning in the autumn.

Solicitor general Michael Ellis will take over as attorney general while Braverman is on leave.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee announced late last year that she was pregnant, becoming the first Irish minister to be pregnant in office.

She said she would be taking time off after having her baby, though there are no legal provisions in place for TDs to take maternity leave in Ireland.