SNP MP Joanna Cherry received a prestigious honour from her fellow lawyers last night, in recognition of her work in Parliament
The QC was elected as an Honorary Bencher of Middle Temple, which is one of the four Inns of Court in London – the professional associations for barristers in England and Wales.
Supported by lawyers in Parliament and outside – particularly the former Tory attorney general Dominic Grieve QC and David Anderson QC – Cherry fought off stiff competition.
Anderson, her sponsor, said the honour recognises the SNP MP’s excellence as a lawyer and her strong commitment to justice for all.
He added: “Joanna fights her corner in debate with elegance, courage and wit. She is respected on parliamentary committees for her powerful cross-examination and her strong instinct for fairness.
“We welcome Joanna for her achievements, and count on her help in further strengthening the links between the Scots and English bars.”
Cherry said: “I am honoured to receive this recognition of my work in Parliament and at the bar.
“While Scotland has its own separate legal system, there have always been strong fraternal links between the Scottish and English bar.
“The transition from law to politics is challenging and I have been greatly assisted by the support of friends old and new at both the Scottish and English bars.”
The Masters of the Bench, or Benchers, are responsible for the governance of the Inn. Masters are elected by their peers from the Inn’s members who have been called to the bar.
The Inn also elects Honorary Masters of the Bench, who are distinguished individuals from other walks of life who have excelled in their respective professions.
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