Attorney General's Office
Alison Saunders CB has been announced as the new Director of Public Prosecutions at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) by the Attorney General, The Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP.
Alison, who is currently the Chief Crown Prosecutor London, was chosen following an open competition. This follows Keir Starmers decision to step down from the role at the end of October.
The Attorney General, the Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP said:
Alison will make an excellent Director of Public Prosecutions and is the right person to help the Crown Prosecution Service meet the challenges it will face in the coming years.
I am particularly pleased that Alison is the first Head of the CPS to be appointed from within its ranks as proof of the high quality of the professionals that work within the Service.
Id also like to thank Keir Starmer for the great contribution he has made not only to the CPS but more generally to the criminal justice system. He can be proud of the reforms that he and his staff have led to keep our criminal justice system one of the best in the world.
Commenting on her new role, Alison said:
I am delighted and privileged to be appointed as the next Director of Public Prosecutions. To lead an organisation of committed and professional staff is an honour especially having worked for the CPS since its inception.
I look forward to carrying on with the fantastic work that Keir Starmer QC has undertaken, ensuring the CPS further improves and continuing with reforms, both within the CPS and more widely in the criminal justice system.
Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer QC said:
I have had the privilege of working with Alison Saunders for five years. She has been an outstanding leader within the CPS and she will make a first rate DPP.
Alison will take up post on 1 November 2013.