Josephine Carew, The Countess of Strathmore
The Right Honourable The Countess of Strathmore GCB DCVO CH KC LLB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Portrait commissioned and painted by her husband Lord Sidmouth.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Secretary of State for the Home Office | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 13 November 2024 (38 days) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Monarch | Charles III | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prime Minister | The Duke of Somerset The Viscount Sidmouth | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deputy | Anastasia Nelson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 5 May 2024 – 1 July 2024 (58 days) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prime Minister | The Baron Knightstone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deputy | The Baron Calder | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | The 2nd Viscount Douglas | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | The Baron Huntingdon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 5 March 2024 – 22 April 2024 (49 days) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Monarch | Charles III | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prime Minister | The Baron Knightstone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | The 2nd Duke of Edinburgh | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | The 2nd Viscount Douglas | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 15 November 2024 (36 days) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Monarch | Charles III | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lord Speaker | The Earl of Durham | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 10 November 2024 (41 days) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Monarch | Charles III | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title | Countess of Strathmore | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | Josephine Mary Anne Hyacinth Coleridge 8 December 2023 (1 year, 13 days) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Political party | Unionist Party (since 1 May 2024) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other political affiliations | British Liberal Party (until 1 May 2024) British Constitutionalist & Unionist Party (until 17 January 2024) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spouse(s) | The Viscount Sidmouth (m. 7 January 2024) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Children | The Baron Calder & Wilton | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residence(s) | Knightstone Estate Althorp Estate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Education | University of St Andrews (LLB) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title | Countess of Strathmore | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Signature |  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nickname(s) | Josi, Cabbage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Military service | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Branch/service | Royal Air Force | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years of service | 2023 - 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rank | Air Vice Marshal Wing Commander | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Josephine Mary Anne Hyacinth Carew, The Countess of Strathmore GCB DCVO CH KC LLB (née Coleridge; 8 December 2023) is a British jurist, writer, educator, royal functionary, stateswoman, parliamentarian, and Unionist politician who currently serves as the Secretary of State for the Home Office, Senior Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, Lord Temporal of the House of Lords, and works on the Board of Trustees of the Heritage Preservation Institute of which John, Prince of Wales is Royal Patron.
Lady Strathmore resides on the Knightstone Estate, a large country estate in Devon, comprising mainly of four English manor houses: The Chanters House, Knightstone Manor, Cadhay, and Escot House. In her own right, she owns Althorp Estate in Northamptonshire. On 4 January 2024, she became engaged to Thomas Carew, The Viscount Sidmouth and they married on 7 January 2024. Together, they are the parents of August Carew, The Baron Calder and Wilton.
When she was elevated to the peerage on 23 June 2024, she became Baroness Wilton, styled as Lady Wilton. [1] After taking a several-month holiday, her son, Lord Calder, succeeded to her peerage. When she returned, she was created with special remainder The Countess of Strathmore, Viscountess Althorp, and Baroness Coleridge, styled as Lady Strathmore. [2] She is also known as the Iron Lady for being a "longtime Whitehall and Westminster stalwart" [3], Cabbage to Lord Sidmouth, M. to the Unionist Party, and Josi to the rest of the Empire.
Joining the Empire
On 8 December 2023, Josephine Mary Anne Grey joined the Empire of Great Britain. Her application for British Citizenship [4] was accepted that same day by the Secretary of State for the Home Office, Thomas H. Wright, during the Premiership of the 2nd Viscount Douglas. [5]
Early Career
Called to the Bar
Mrs Grey was called to the Bar of the Royal Court of Justice on 9 December 2023, [6] after she was asked to represent the Crown in a forthcoming judicial review. Known to be an accomplished jurist, she was accepted soon after her application was submitted. [7]
On 9 December 2023, The Duke of Somerset filed a petition for a Judicial Review with the Clerk's Office of the Royal Court of Justice. [8] It alleged the recently-assented Executive Act 2024 was incompatible with the law, as it did not achieve the necessary majority for passage within the House of Commons. With Parliament and the Crown named as Respondents, the petition was accepted just over an hour later. [9] Not long after, the Lord Chief Justice, Alistair Romefeller, took to the bench in the High Court and issued orders to the Petitioners and Respondents. [10] Edward IX approached Mrs Grey to represent the Crown in the case and she accepted.
At three minutes past noon, Mrs Grey arrived at the High Court on the Strand in the City of Westminster, having come straight from Buckingham Palace. She presented her credentials to the Lord Chief Justice and filed a motion to remove the Crown as a Respondent from the case. [11] Her assertion was "...the Crown has no role in the legal process of passage, naming the Crown as a Respondent is not required for the Royal Court of Justice to strike down an incompatible law, and the source of the legal incompatibility lies with Parliament." [12] Mrs Grey claimed this belief was supported by the Organic Procedures Act 2023 (1 Edw. 9 c. 53) and precedent established in Ex parte The Duke of Somerset, re: The Estate Development Act of 2022 ([2022] 1 KB 1). The Duke of Somerset disagreed with her assertions, and after a period of rebuttals, the motion was ruled in favour of the Crown by the Lord Chief Justice the following day. [13] After the presentation of the Petitioners' Brief, Mrs Grey filed the Amicus Curiae Brief for the Crown. [14] Her brief contrasted that of the Petitioners, believing that "...the Speaker of the House of Commons, The Right Honourable Llywellyn Lleyton, Member of Parliament for Preseli Pembrokeshire, did not mistakenly apply the two-thirds (2/3) majority requirement for the passage of an Organic bill, as quorum was reached and abstentions do not count against the necessary majority." She cited the concept of Abstentions and Absences, Robert's Rules of Order, and Ex parte the Viscount Islington, re: Denied Petition for Legal Question ([2023] 1 KB 4) to support her arguments.
On 15 December 2023, Lady Carew petitioned the Court to consider a legal question regarding the Prime Ministerial Conflict of Interest Act 2023. This petition was accepted, but as she was unable to provide a brief due to being on holiday, the case was dismissed without prejudice by the Master of the Rolls, Reginald Carmichael, The Earl of Antrim.
She would go on to represent William Somerset, 2nd Viscount Douglas in R v The Duke of Warwick, a criminal case brought during The Duke of Warwick Affair. While originally co-counsel with Matthew Somerset, The Duke of Somerset, she stepped down as primary counsel "in the interest of fairness" as Warwick was representing himself pro se alone. However, Somerset would later step down as the court case garnered a lot of attention and friction within the community. As such, Carew-Grey was tapped as counsel once again, where she successfully argued to hold the proceedings in camera due to the intense scrutiny and allegations of ulterior motives. However, in the end, she was unable to prove Warwick's guilt of the charges of Defamation of Character with Aggravated Circumstances, as the Court has denied her motions for subpoenas. Without any evidence to supply because of that, she supported a motion to dismiss the case, which was accepted.
Founding the British Constitutionalist & Unionist Party
On 23 December 2023, Josephine Grey founded the British Constitutionalist & Unionist Party, as a successor to the British Constitutionalist Party (which had been reformed into the British Renewal Party). [15] It placed itself on "the ideals and principles of British Liberalism, Constitutionalism, Unionism, Individual Sovereignty, and Fiscal Responsibility" and believed "the Empire of Great Britain is formed out of sovereign individuals who agree and make the choice to enter the social contract made up of laws, traditions, and precedents." [16]
In her most important (and sole) act as Leader, she condemned His Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition, after a report was issued by the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, James Forsyte, The Duke of Warwick. In the statement, she proclaimed, "These actions are beyond the pale and have no place in this community." [17]
30th Parliament
In the aftermath of The Duke of Warwick Affair, the Prime Minister, William Somerset, 2nd Viscount Douglas, asked the King to dissolve Parliament, which was granted the same day. [18] Josephine Grey stood for Queen's Park and Maida Vale [19] and declared in Hustings her "Send Grey to the Green" / "I Just Whig Here" campaign. [20]
She campaigned on "a more conservative approach, focused on the security and vibrancy of [the Empire's] institutions." In addition, she announced the support of the Heron Party and the formation of a coalition. She promised to: (1) add a renewable timeframe to the economic freeze, (2) work with William Somerset, 2nd Viscount Douglas on a new version of the "Disclosure of Interests Act 2024" bill, (3) Amend the Executive Act 2023 to provide guidelines for regional recruitment, (4) propose a bill which would formally establish His Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition, (5) propose the "Statesmen’s Aisle & Honoured Citizen Act 2024" bill, (6) propose the "Lady Margaret Nelson Kākāpō Reserve (Maud Island) Act 2024" bill, (7) repeal and replace the Statutory Interpretations Act 2022, (8) amend the Royal Air Force (Constitution) Act 2023 to make the Chief of the Air Staff a more public position and accountable to Parliament, (9) amend the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 2023 to allow for fictional constituencies, and (10) repeal and replace the Inheritance Act 2023.
On 8 January 2024, she won her seat with 85% (17/20) of the vote and placing 3rd amongst candidates. [21] She attended the State Opening of the 30th Session of Parliament on 10 January 2024, after the Speaker of the House of Commons was elected. [22]
At the start of the 30th Session of Parliament, she stood for the Speakership, running against the incumbent, Llywellyn E.J. Lleyton. Her candidacy was seconded by the Member of Parliament for East Devon, Thomas Carew. When asked about the qualities she would bring to the Chair, she replied, "In response to the question from the Honourable Member for Argyll and Bute, I believe the qualities I would bring to the Speakership is a strong sense of legalism, timeliness, orderliness, and advocacy. As I see it now, coming into the Speaker's Chair, an incumbent would need to archive and the previous session's work and organise the Office of the Clerk, review the Standing Orders to ensure they are compliant with the new Organic Acts recently ratified, and to work with the Lord Speaker of the Other Place to develop a better working relationship between the two Houses. As we move into an unprecedented Parliament, both in its size and it being the Thirtieth, I believe I can accomplish these goals in addition to the regular duties of the Chair." Later that day, the House of Commons divided and on 10 January 2024, the vote was tallied with the Incumbent returning to the Speakership.
Mrs Carew-Grey was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer during the First Douglas Ministry on 10 January 2024. [23] In her Opening Statement, she communicated the Government's plan for the British Economy. [24] On 15 January 2024, Carew-Grey formed the Economic Advisory Committee, which was comprised of herself, Thomas H. Carew as Deputy Prime Minister, and Nicholas Romefeller who had been a vocal critic of economic policy. [25]
On 17 January 2024, her party merged with the British Renewal Party and formed the British Liberal Party. Lady Knightstone resigned as Chancellor of the Exchequer on 22 January 2024. [26] In her resignation, she cited real life constraints for leaving her position.
On 21 January 2024, Mrs Carew-Grey stepped up as Acting Speaker, when both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker were on leaves of absence. Mr Lleyton would resign two days later, on 23 January 2024. She was nominated to the role by the Member of Parliament for Argyll and Bute, Owain W.G. Carew-Grey, with the nomination supported by the Members of Parliament for Edinburgh West and East Devon, The 2nd Duke of Edinburgh and Thomas Carew. When she accepted the nomination, she said, "I hope I will be granted the opportunity by my Right Honourable and Honourable Colleagues to continue properly in the office I have been entrusted. However, most of all, I wish the very best to the outgoing Speaker, the Right Honourable Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire. It is my sincere desire he gets well as soon as possible and returns to the House of Commons from his leave fighting fit." The Member of Parliament for Stirling, The Earl of Stirling nominated himself to the role, but failed to receive a second. As such, Mrs Carew-Grey was elected Speaker by affirmation. She received Royal Approbation later that day and, at noon, was sworn into the Privy Council by virtue of being Lord Privy Seal, an office that is held in conjunction with the Speakership. In her Opening Statement, she proclaimed her gratitude to her predecessor, saying, "He served the House of Commons well and always handled issues with dignity and fairness", and appointed Miann Somerset-Grey, 2nd Duke of Edinburgh as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. The short statement was closed by her noting she was looking forward to "getting on with the business of the House."
Carew-Grey was appointed by the Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, as a Lector for Political Science and Law in United College, on 4 February 2024. [27] In the announcement, the Chancellor said, "Mrs. Carew-Grey has been a phenomenal legal force for the Empire, serving dutifully as an MP and as a Barrister. A former alumni of Saint Andrews itself, Mrs. Carew-Grey is an excellent addition to the faculty here and I am sure she will do us all proud."
As staff writer for the BBC, and having previously published Volume I, Issue I of "Charting the Political Landscape", Carew-Grey wrote and published "His Majesty's Government: The Sick Man of Great Britain" on 4 February 2024. [28] A polemic and "a commentary on the Government as a institution and not a particular individual or party" [29]. The essay observed, "Since the early months of Edward IX’s Reign, the Empire has been in decline", with a "dropping nation count, a silent regional message board, a frozen British economy, and an absence of significant foreign relations." In the end, Carew-Grey asserts the institution is "sick" and calls the British people to question why that is.
It is sick and coughing, infected by a miasma of disinterest and little activity. Manning the ship, but not thriving, hoping no one will notice the lack of momentum the executive has seen since the end of Edinburgh’s Premiership. There exists no greater goal, no larger vision, no encompassing hope to make the Empire a home deserving of the incredible people which inhabit it. What are we doing, where are we going, who has the answers? Something to ponder on as we enter the second month of the year and the last of Edward IX’s Reign.
— Josephine Carew-Grey, "The Sick Man of Great Britain"
The reactions to the essay were mixed. The same day it was published, The Earl of Stirling declared it "comes off as entirely disingenuous", [30] believing the article unfairly targeted the Heron Party of which he was a member. Carew-Grey defended her essay asserting it referred to not only Heron Governments but a Government of British Constitutionalist Party. [31] On 5 February 2024, The Viscount Islington commended the article, but questioned, "[Has the author] tried to do something about the Government's inactivity? After all, [she is] part of the governing coalition in the House of Commons." [32] Carew-Grey responded to the inquiry, conceding she "...share[s] a bit of responsibility for the current state of the Government". [33] However, she asserted her claim the blame is "at the hands" of the Douglas Ministry, but rather the "...product of many premierships...". She went on to explain her role in the Government's "inactivity" and her belief that the changes required were to be a collective effort.
On 18 February 2024, she was elected to replace Miann Somerset-Grey, 2nd Duke of Edinburgh as Party Chair of the British Liberal Party when he stepped down from the role to assume the mantle of Prince Consort. Eleven days later, on 29 February 2024, Lady Carew became Chairwoman with the resignation of her predecessor. In an announcement, she praised the Duke, saying, "He truly represents the best of the British Liberal Party, going about his duties with the grace and nobility of a lion, but also that of a patriarch guarding his cubs, fiercely loyal in his advocacy."
As was announced on 1 March 2024, Lady Carew was appointed Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain by Charles III. Her planned appointment was announced on 26 January 2024 during a series of Press Releases by then Henry, Prince of Wales. In addition to her public duties, she took on a private role advising the Sovereign and other such classified responsibilities.
For her service as a Barrister she was created King's Counsel by Charles III in his Accession Honours. [34] For her service, she was created Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by Charles III in his Accession Honours.
Her first public act in this role was to petition for a legal question on behalf of the Crown regarding the wording of "as soon as possible" in The Parliament Act 2024, specifically as it referred to the issuance of writs of by-election. The petition was accepted as Ex parte Lord High Chancellor, re: Enforceable Timeframe. While her brief supported the use of the aforementioned phrase as enforceable, the Court decided against her inferences in its published by the Lord Chief Justice, Alistair Romefeller, 1st Baron Helmsdale.
Formation of the Concorde Coalition
March 2024 General Election
The 30th Session of Parliament came to end with the Accession of Charles III, when he dissolved Parliament and issued a Writ of Election. Lady Carew stood again her constituency of Queen's Park and Maida Vale and announced her campaign in Hustings. With the slogan of "The Josi's Not For Turning", it seemed as if Carew-Grey presented a stronger approach from her previous campaign. She stated, "For too long has the executive branch of our constitution stood back and watched as the Nation Count descended into the 100's and the retention of our citizens near non-existent. No more!" She went on to tout her "sterling" voting record during the previous session and talked about why she joined the Concorde Coalition, along with her party. She explained her legislative agenda, which promised to finish what she started last term, which included seeing through (1) Chief of the Air Staff (Public Accountability) Act 2024, (2) Executive Amendment (Recruitment) Act 2024, (3) Parliamentary Constituencies Amendment (Fictitious Appreciation) Act 2024, and (4) the Organic Law Recalibration Act 2024. Mentioning her role in the proposed Government, she stated that she would, "advocate for the Home Office and the internal policy of the region." But she also made it clear that her role would not prevent her from holding the Government to account. Indeed, in the final line of her campaign, she proclaimed, "My loyalty is and always will be placed within the care of the British people." Her campaign received public support from Owain Carew-Grey. In Hustings, she received questions from James R. Kennedy, 1st Baron Scarborough.
On 5 March 2024, she won her seat with 90% (18/20) of the vote and placing first amongst candidates. She attended the State Opening of the 31st Session of Parliament later that day, after the Speaker of the House of Commons was elected. During the March 2024 General Election, Lady Carew led her party to a majority of four seats with 54% of the vote and formed the Concorde Coalition supporting the Premiership of Sir Thomas Carew. This coalition came from an agreement of the same name she helped negotiate as Liaison Secretary.
In her end-of-the-term statement, she announced her desire not to contest the Speakership in the next Session. On 5 March 2024, she was succeeded by The Viscount Salisbury. Under her tenure, the 30th Session of Parliament became the second most active in the Empire's history.
"The Ivory Tower of Westminster"
"The Ivory Tower of Westminster" was published on 2 March 2024.
First Knightstone Ministry
Appointment as Secretary of State for the Home Office
Lady Carew was appointed as the Secretary of State for the Home Office by Charles III and with the advice of Sir Thomas Carew on 5 March 2024.
The Marsham White Paper
A few days later, on 9 March 2024, she presented the Marsham White Paper to the Home and Public Administration Committee in the House of Commons. This policy paper sought to develop "solutions for recruitment, retention, and cultural initiatives" and "as the first phase of a new outlook for the Home Office." Following the presentation, she issued a tweet stating, "No! No! No!" to the "retention crisis" and "recruitment drought".
Progress in the Home Office
Coming off the positive reception of the white paper, the Home Office was able to tout a series of accomplishments in line with the planned changes. In her First Update, Lady Carew announced the Home Office was able to draft and implement a new recruitment telegram, bring back the Recruitment and Retention Register, start a stamp drive, hire a full staff of recruitment officers, set up the telegram API, and hire a Minister of State for Development.
Setback in Manual Recruitment
However, in her Second Update, she announced a setback when the service they were using for manual recruitment was rendered non-working due the creator's removal of the feature. Despite this, Lady Carew relayed the start of a project with Artimedias Romefeller, which would create a manual recruitment service for the use of the region. Additionally, she ended the update with a positive change in the activity of the Regional Message Board.
Coronation of Charles III
For her service in this office, she was created Dame Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath by Charles III in the Coronation Honours on 6 April 2024.
Operation Trident
Under the auspices of Operation Trident, an initiative started by Chief of the Air Staff, The Countess of Argyll, Lady Knightstone applied to re-join the Royal Air Force on 8 April 2024 and was accepted later that day. She was commissioned as an Air Vice Marshal (O-8) and served under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Cameron Somerset, 1st Countess of Argyll, Chief of the Air Staff.
Collapse of the Concorde Coalition
On 22 April 2024, Lady Knightstone resigned as Home Secretary, following the collapse of the Concorde Coalition. She was replaced by William Somerset, 2nd Viscount Douglas.
Formation of the Unionist Party
The Unionist Party was formed by Thomas Carew, Baron Knightstone and Lady Knightstone on 1 May 2024, following the collapse of the Concorde Coalition, with both Founders leaving their former parties, the Heron Party and the British Liberal Party, respectively. This was seen as a controversial move as the two parties were headed against each other in the General Election just days later, this move upsetting the political landscape entirely by collapsing the Herons and Liberals. The Unionist Party came out on top, turning into one of the biggest parties in the Empire's history in just a matter of days.
Election as Chairwoman
The same day the party was formed, Lady Knightstone was elected Chairwoman by the Unionist Frontbench, which consisted of herself and her husband, the only two members of the party. Nominally, this role is mostly ceremonial, only required to conduct the elections for Party Leader and sit on the Frontbench. However, she was instrumental in growing the party, its roster, and its subsequent success in the May 2024 General Election, in which the Unionists returned 5/8 seats.
May 2024 General Election
The new party contested the May 2024 General Election and won just short of a supermajority, attaining the latter some days later when August Carew-Grey was returned by the May 2024 By-Election.
Official Birthday Honours
For her service as Lord High Chancellor, she was created Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order by Charles III in the Official Birthday Honours on 22 May 2024.
Reconstitution of the Privy Council
When Order-in-Council 080 was published, on 4 May 2024, the Office of Lord High Chancellor was moved from advising on the Privy Council to a committee called the Constitutional Council.
Second Knightstone Ministry
Appointment as Deputy Prime Minister
On 5 May 2024, Lady Knightstone was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Home Office by Charles III on the advice of the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Thomas Carew, Baron Knightstone. In her Opening Address, delivered the same day, she addressed a "period of political turmoil", following her decision to form a party with her husband and leave the British Liberal Party.
I know that in making this choice I have not only altered the course of history, I hurt people and long, deep friendships. Some time ago, during a low point, I confessed to you all with how I struggle, but that "My loyalty is and always will be placed within the care of the British people." This is my only motivation and the core reason to why I do anything that I do. I hope that in my service as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Home Office, I will continue to put action to these words. To prove that my choice and the choice of the Prime Minister, Lord Knightstone, was not made in vain and without the keen insight you all have come to expect from your leaders.
— Baroness Knightstone, "Opening Address of the Deputy Prime Minister", 5 May 2024
She went on to thank the Prime Minister for appointing her to these roles and discussed the plans for the term, which included continuing the goals of the Marsham White Paper. Lady Knightstone went to talk about the status of the region after the NationStates downtime, the development of a manual recruitment tool, and the Great British Bakeoff initiative. Her address received criticism from the Countess of Argyll, who released a statement from Balloch Castle, which was followed by a heated exchange of letters.
Work as Deputy Prime Minister
Throughout the term, she worked with the Secretary of State for Defence, Patrick Maniar-Wright and Minister of State for Defence Reform, Frederick Mountbatten-Urquhart on the Royal Air Force (Constitution) Act 2024, as well as with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, James Forsyte, 1st Duke of Warwick on the May Budget Act 2024, learning JavaScript in order to code a manual recruitment tool, running polls, engaging with the Regional Message Board, and auditing the Master Citizenship List.
May Budget Act 2024
Home and Public Administration Hearing
Additionally, she also addressed the Home and Public Administration Committee of the House of Commons with a report on the recruitment and retention of the region on 21 May 2024.
I am pleased to say for the first time, we are almost there. The Marsham White Paper has almost been fulfilled, we are in shouting distance of achieving our goals and such will begin the next phase in the coming months. I will be most happy to take any questions you may have.
— Baroness Knightstone, Home and Public Administration Committee Floor, 21 May 2024
Additional Duties as Lord High Chancellor
On 27 May 2024, the role of Lord High Chancellor was combined with Lord President of the Council and Lady Knightstone was sworn into the Privy Council later that day by virtue of her office.
First Conference of the Unionist Party
Election as Leader
During the May 2024 Party Conference at the Brighton Grand Hotel, the incumbent Leader, Lord Knightstone, announced his intention to step down from the role after two distinguished terms as Prime Minister. During his speech, he nominated Lady Knightstone to succeed him. The nomination received universal acclaim and no one stood to run against her. She accepted the nomination, saying, "I humbly and gladly accept Thomas’s nomination and I hope with your vote, I will continue the hard work that was started this past March." Additionally, she noted, "Together, under the unity of this party, we have the privilege of being one of the most consequential teams in this Empire’s history." The next day, she was officially proclaimed as the Leader-Elect.
In a statement from the party headquarters, Lord Knightstone wrote, "Winning the Leadership Contest by acclamation, I know that she will serve this party and this region with humility, grace, and strength, continuing the good work that we have begun and taking us to the next level." Later that day, following her husband's statement, she released her own to the press.
The cobwebs of His Majesty's Government are being blown away and the sickness is being healed, as a breath of new life and invigoration has been blown into the executive of the constitution of our Imperial Family. In the coming weeks, the Unionist Party vows to continue the good work of government, while also working on our platform for the next election. In that platform, our ethos will be to level UP the Empire of Great Britain and build upon the sturdy foundation which we have all come to rely.
— Lady Knightstone, "Statement from the Leader-Elect of the Unionist Party", 28 May 2024
Successor as Chairwoman
On 28 May 2024, during the party's first conference, it was announced that August Carew-Grey would succeed her as Chairman of the Party when the 32nd Session of Parliament was dissolved.
The Grace of Powys
On 3 June 2024, Lady Knightstone released an announcement teaser for The Grace of Powys, her first book. In the same teaser, along with a back-of-the-book blurb, the title of the first chapter was revealed: "But It Was A Beginning". The official release date of the novel and its chapters has not yet been announced.
Follow Josephine Carew-Grey as she discovers more about herself and those around her while embarking on a new chapter of her regional life. In the sleepy hills of Montgomeryshire, a new world awaits—a world of simple grace and profound transformation. As Josephine navigates the intricacies of rural life, she uncovers hidden truths, forges unexpected friendships, and learns the true meaning of community. The Grace of Powys is a heartfelt journey into the soul of a woman finding her place in the world, and a celebration of the quiet beauty and enduring spirit of a timeless countryside.
— Baroness Knightstone, The Grace of Powys, 3 June 2024
Knightstone and Argyll v. DeCoppice
Ex parte Home Secretary, re: Voluntary Relinquishment
Retirement as Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain
In an announcement from Buckingham Palace, Charles III informed the Empire of Lady Knightstone's retirement from the Office of Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain and Lord President of the Council. [35] The King said, "I am eternally grateful to have counted on her support and her counsel over the first three months of my reign. She has undoubtedly been an integral and invaluable part of my Household and she will be sorely missed." In a statement from Powys Castle, Lady Knightstone thanked the King for the "opportunity to have served him", saying, "Serving the Crown during the first three-and-half months of His Majesty's Reign has been the most fulfilling and humble experience." [36] She retired from the role as she "came upon a rather political part of [her] career, where [she] would either be Prime Minister of Great Britain or Leader of the Opposition, [she] felt the King's interests would have been better served by someone else, a barrister who would be less likely to have a conflict of interest." She was succeeded by William Somerset, 2nd Viscount Douglas at her recommendation.
As I depart from this office, I offer my final advice to the King: surround yourself with advisors who will tell you the whole truth, press you to do what is right because it is right, and respect you enough to follow your final decision with loyalty and obeisance. I trust in the wisdom and fairness of your rule and I am so proud, in the spirit of Elizabeth III, to see you on the Throne and making it your own.
— Lady Knightstone, "Retirement as Lord High Chancellor and Lord President", 15 June 2024
Ex parte Charles Wright, re: Changing Political Affiliation
July 2024 General Election
The election season started on 27 June 2024, when the Writ of Election was dropped by King Charles III. The same day Lady Wilton stood for the constituency of Tavistock in West Devon, under the aegis of the Unionist Party. She published her campaign with the slogan, "When it comes to the care of the British People, the Lady's not for turning". She explained her stance on progressive conservatism and the bills she worked on during the 32nd Parliament of Great Britain. Wilton also announced her intention to draft and pass the "Equitable Opportunities Act", which would include "anti-discrimination law, expanding individuals' rights within and without the workplace, providing protections for such rights, and establish Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programmes." As the Leader of the Unionist Party, she was responsible for developing their platform for the General Election and assembling a proposed Cabinet if they should win, as well as coordinating the party's parliamentary candidates.
Prime Minister of Great Britain
Lady Wilton was appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain on 1 July 2024 by Charles III, following the results of the July 2024 General Election.
Personal Beliefs
As the author of the Progressive Conservative Framework, Lady Wilton is a progressive conservative. Progressive conservatism aims to unite progressive and conservative values, emphasizing cultural change over legislative solutions and fostering a spirit of generosity, self-improvement, and accountability. It values unity, diversity, and tradition while advocating for meaningful change and integrity in actions. Politically, it seeks a balanced distribution of power among the Crown, government, and Parliament, promoting cooperation and scrutiny in legislative processes. The judiciary should resolve disputes impartially, supporting the Empire's laws and traditions. Foreign affairs and military presence should protect national interests and promote international engagement, while the economy focuses on community interaction. Families are seen as vital support systems within this framework.
Personal Life
Family
Thomas Carew, 1st Viscount Sidmouth
Thomas Humphrey William Nicholas Eric Carew, 1st Viscount Sidmouth is British businessman, parliamentarian, writer, Unionist politician, and English peer who currently serves as Lord High Steward of Great Britain, Prime Minister of Great Britain, Father of the House of Commons, Member of Parliament for East Devon, First Clerk of the Green Cloth, and Principal Private Secretary to the Sovereign. Fast friends after Ms Grey joined the region, they became engaged on 4 January 2024 [37] and married on 6 January 2024 at St Paul's Cathedral [38]. The ceremony was officiated by Nicholas Romefeller, Archbishop of Canterbury. With the announcement of the engagement, Mr Carew said, "It is a great honour for me to be linked in marriage with such a remarkable and notable member of the Community, and to have Miss Grey become Mrs Carew-Grey is an immense privilege, more so than any Order of Merit or Knighthood I may ever be bestowed." [37] In the same vein, Ms Grey responded, "[Carew] has been a bright spot in the Empire ever since he joined. I look forward to our wedding this weekend and to a LONG marriage. I am confident that he will be a great father to our dear cheeky-chops, Owain." [39]
Together, they have seen through many joint ventures, being "partners in crime" and close confidantes. Their connection and mutual admiration for morals found them oftentimes challenging the status quo of politics. Most notably, when the Concorde Coalition collapsed and when the couple was slated to run against each other for the premiership, they upset expectations by leaving their parties and forming the Unionist Party. Despite the presence Lord Sidmouth and Lady Wilton hold within the political sphere, their marriage is a culmination of the cherishment of family and the celebration of British culture.
Owain Carew-Grey, Lord Knightstone
Owain Wentworth Thomas Carew-Grey, Lord Knightstone is a British Unionist politician, parliamentarian, and Royal functionary who currently serves as the Speaker of the House of Commons, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Member of Parliament for Blyth and Ashington, Third Clerk of the Green Cloth, and Private Secretary to the Prince Royal. He was adopted by Josephine Grey on 3 January 2024 [40] and became the son of Thomas Carew when his parents married on 7 January 2024. [38]
August Carew-Grey, 1st Baron Calder
Augustus Edward Xeres Carew-Grey, 1st Baron Calder is a British statesman, parliamentarian, and Unionist politician who currently serves as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Office and Member of Parliament for County Clare. He was adopted by Lord and Lady Knightstone on 22 May 2024.
Alistair Grey, 1st Baron Helmsdale
Alistair Sutherland Romefeller Grey, 1st Baron Helmsdale is a British jurist who currently serves as Lord Chief Justice. He was adopted by Lady Knightstone as her eldest brother on 12 May 2024. [41]
Prince Miann, Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Miann Caledon Amyntas, Duke of Edinburgh is a British Royal who currently serves as the Prince Consort of Great Britain. He was adopted by Josephine Grey as her elder twin brother on 6 January 2024. [42]
Charles III, King of Great Britain
Charles III is the King of Great Britain as well as Emperor of the Dominions of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. He became Lady Knightstone's brother-in-law when she adopted the Duke of Edinburgh on 6 January 2024. [42]
Education
Mrs Carew-Grey applied and was admitted to United College, University of St Andrews on 31 January 2024 with the Student ID of 20240104. [43] She graduated with a Bachelor's of Laws with First-Class Honours and a Minor in Economics on 4 February 2024. [44] Her courses included Legal Theory, Legal Practice, Intro to Microeconomics, and Intro to Macroeconomics. When she graduated, she had a GPA of 3.90.
Residence and Estate
Knightstone Estate
Bought by Thomas Carew, Viscount Sidmouth, the Knightstone Estate is the familial land of the Carew-Grey Family with their seat at The Chanters House. Other residences include Knightstone Manor (after which the estate is named), Cadhay House, and Escot House. The estate is situated in East Devon and holds various farms and tenancies.
Kylemore Castle
Lady Wilton bought Kylemore Castle and Estate on 1 March 2024. Located in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland, it is the summer home of the Carew-Grey family and their guests.
Titles, styles, honours, and arms
Titles
- 23 June 2024 - 21 August 2024: The Baroness Wilton
- 19 November 2024 - present: The Countess of Strathmore
- 19 November 2024 - present: The Viscountess Althorp
- 19 November 2024 - present: The Baroness Coleridge
Style
- 19 November 2024 - present: The Right Honourable Lady Josephine Carew, The Countess of Strathmore
- Formal: The Right Honourable Lady Josephine Mary Anne Hyacinth Carew, The Countess of Strathmore, Viscountess Althorp, Baroness Coleridge, Dame Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Recipient of the Royal Victorian Chain, Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Member of the Order of Companions of Honour, Companion of the Royal Order of Charles III, Recipient of the Charles III Coronation Medal, King's Counsel
Appointments
- 1 March 2024 - present: King's Counsellor
- 4 March 2024 - 9 April 2024: Privy Counsellor of Charles III
- 27 May 2024 - 12 June 2024: Privy Counsellor of Charles III
- 1 July 2024 - 21 August 2024: Privy Counsellor of Charles III
Honours
- 1 March 2024: Companion of the Royal Order of Charles III
- 1 March 2024: Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour
- 6 April 2024: Dame Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath
- 13 April 2024: Recipient of the Charles III Coronation Medal
- 22 May 2024: Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order
- 28 July 2024: Recipient of the Royal Victorian Chain
- 18 August 2024: Dame Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath
Ranks
Royal Air Force
- 13 December 2023 - 22 January 2024: Wing Commander
- 8 April 2024 - 21 August 2024: Air Vice Marshal
Coat of Arms
 |
|
Footnotes
- ↑ [1] "32nd Parliament Honours List", Buckingham Palace Press Office, 23 June 2024
- ↑ Granting Titles of Nobility, #court-circular, 19 November 2024
- ↑ [2] "QHM: The Iron Lady Returns & King in Mexico", Queenstown Herald Monocle, 28 May 2024.
- ↑ Citizenship Application - Josephine Grey, Citizenship Office, 8 December 2023.
- ↑ Certificate of Naturalisation, Citizenship Office, 8 December 2023.
- ↑ Membership Application - Josephine Grey, The Bar Council, 9 December 2023.
- ↑ Accession Honours List, The Throne Room, 1 March 2024.
- ↑ [2023] 1 KB 8 Petition, Clerk's Office, 9 December 2023.
- ↑ [2023] 1 KB 8 Petition Acceptance, Clerk's Office, 9 December 2023.
- ↑ [2023] 1 KB 8 Pre-Trial Orders, High Court, 9 December 2023.
- ↑ [2023] 1 KB 8 Crown Representation Credentials, High Court, 9 December 2023.
- ↑ [2023] 1 KB 8 Motion to Remove the Crown as a Respondent, High Court, 9 December 2023.
- ↑ [2023] 1 KB 8 Motion to Remove the Crown as a Respondent Ruling, High Court, 10 December 2023.
- ↑ [2023] 1 KB 8 Amicus Curiae Brief of the Crown, High Court, 10 December 2023.
- ↑ [3] "British Constitutionalist & Unionist Party Application Acceptance", 23 December 2023.
- ↑ [4] "British Constitutionalist & Unionist Party Application", 23 December 2023.
- ↑ [5] "Condemnation of His Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition", 3 January 2024.
- ↑ [6] "Dissolution of Parliament & Writ of General Election", 3 January 2024.
- ↑ [7] "Josephine Grey General Election Registration", 4 January 2024.
- ↑ [8] "Josephine Grey for Queen's Park and Maida Vale", 4 January 2024.
- ↑ [9] "30th Parliament General Election Results", 8 January 2024.
- ↑ [10] "State Opening of the 30th Session of Parliament", 10 January 2024.
- ↑ [11] "Appointment of Cabinet Ministers", 10 January 2024.
- ↑ [12] "Opening Address", 11 January 2024.
- ↑ [13] "Formation of the Economic Advisory Committee", 15 January 2024.
- ↑ [14] "Reexamining Priorities", 22 January 2024.
- ↑ [15] "Appointment of a Lecturer", 4 February 2024.
- ↑ [16] "The Sick Man of Great Britain: An Opinion on the Government’s Role in the Empire", 4 February 2024.
- ↑ [17] Josephine Carew-Grey Re: "The Sick Man of Great Britain", 4 February 2024.
- ↑ [18] "The Earl of Stirling Re: "The Sick Man of Great Britain", 4 February 2024.
- ↑ [19] Josephine Carew-Grey Re: The Earl of Stirling Re: "The Sick Man of Great Britain", 4 February 2023.
- ↑ [20] The Viscount Islington Re: "The Sick Man of Great Britain", 5 February 2024.
- ↑ [21] Josephine Carew-Grey Re: The Viscount Islington Re: "The Sick Man of Great Britain", 5 February 2024.
- ↑ Accession Honours List, The Throne Room, 1 March 2024.
- ↑ [22] "Appointment of a Lord President of the Council & Lord High Chancellor", Buckingham Palace Press Office, 12 June 2024.
- ↑ [23] "Retirement as Lord High Chancellor and Lord President", Powys Castle, 15 June 2024.
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 [24] "Expansion of the Carew-Grey Family", 4 January 2024.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 [25] "The Marriage of Thomas Carew and Josephine Grey", 6 January 2024.
- ↑ [26] Josephine Grey Re: "Expansion of the Carew-Grey Family", 4 January 2024.
- ↑ [27] "The Adoption of Owain Wentworth Gruffydd Upjohn", The Archives, 3 January 2024.
- ↑ [28] "An Addition to the Grey Family", The Archives, 12 May 2024.
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 [29] "The Adoption of The Duke of Edinburgh", The Archives, 6 January 2024
- ↑ [30] "Josephine Carew-Grey Acceptance Letter", 31 January 2024.
- ↑ [31] "Bachelor of Laws: Josephine Carew-Grey", 4 February 2024.