The Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, is to stand down this week after six years in the role, it was announced on Saturday (23 June).

Goldsmith, the Government's top legal adviser, has overseen some of Whitehall's most controversial decisions in recent years, including the legality of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

The Attorney General has overall responsibility for the Treasury Solicitors' department, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Serious Fraud Office and the Public Prosecutions Office in Northern Ireland.

Goldsmith is a close ally of outgoing prime minister Tony Blair, who officially hands over the reins to Gordon Brown on 27 June. Blair heaped praise on Goldsmith, saying he could look back at his time as Attorney General with "personal and professional pride".

Goldsmith, who was called to the Bar at Gray's Inn in 1972, was a tenant at Fountain Court Chambers and make silk in 1987. He is a former chairman of the Bar of England and Wales.

Goldsmith becomes the latest high-profile Cabinet member to confirm his resignation after deputy prime minister John Prescott, home secretary John Reid and Cabinet Office minister Hilary Armstrong, who all stand down this week.

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