Richard Hytholoday, the Count of Maritimae, who served as Home Secretary from 2021 to 2022 under Prime Ministers John Gordon and William Wilson, has been appointed Attorney General.
Hytholoday succeeds Hugh McFarlane, who resigned from the position in 2025 during the Austenasian Crisis.
Following the reorganisation of the governmental structure, the Attorney General no longer heads the Ministry of Justice. Instead, the Attorney General now serves under the newly established office of Minister of Justice, currently held by Cornelius Cain.
Hytholoday was appointed to the role in recognition of his previous experience in government. His appointment comes shortly after the enactment of a new Austenasian Constitution, which replaced the previous constitutional framework adopted in 2011.
With the government now operating under a substantially revised constitutional and legal structure, Hytholoday’s previous ministerial experience was considered particularly valuable, allowing him to take up the responsibilities of Attorney General immediately during the transition.
Commenting on his appointment, Hytholoday pledged his support to the Emperor:
“I am both glad and proud to pledge my support to the Throne of His Imperial Majesty Johannes Karl I Augustus, and will be pleased to serve him.”
Hytholoday’s appointment brings an experienced former Cabinet minister back into government at a significant moment in Austenasia’s constitutional development, as the institutions established under the new Constitution continue to take shape.