Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders to step down
2 min read
The head of the Crown Prosecution Service Alison Saunders is preparing to step down amid criticism over the collapse of a number of rape trials.
According to the Telegraph Ms Saunders will not continue when her five-year term in the role comes to an end in October.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has been under scrutiny in recent months after four rape trials collapsed in quick succession over the disclosure of crucial evidence just days before cases were due to go to court.
The incidents forced an urgent review of every rape case in the country.
A Whitehall source told the newspaper: "It was felt a clean break was needed. Alison's tenure has been highly contentious, to say the least, and we want someone who can come into this job with a clear agenda.
“It was made clear that her contract would not be extended."
A senior lawyer added: "It has been a disastrous tenure, it has reduced the credibility of the role after Keir Starmer.
“I think that the respect for the profession of the role has been diminished."
An ally of Mrs Saunders defended her record, however, saying: "She has had a very difficult time. The amount of money available for the CPS is limited, there was a very substantial cut under her predecessor.
“It left a painful, difficult legacy. In the circumstances, she has done a pretty reasonable job."
Announcing the decision last night, Attorney General Jeremy Wright thanked Ms Saunders for her service and called her an "accomplished CPS prosecutor whose successful record includes the prosecution of Stephen Lawrence's killers".
He added: "I have no doubt that she'll be greatly missed within the organisation.”
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