John Larkin QC

Mr Larkin was first appointed for a four-year term in 2010 before being reappointed for a further two years in 2014. His second term was extended in late 2015 until May 2019, then again last year until July 2020.

On appointment, Mr Larkin became the first person to separately hold the title of Attorney General of Northern Ireland since its functions were taken over by the Attorney General of England and Wales in 1972.

The Executive Office said Mr Larkin will leave his office on 30 June 2020 and a number of “interim arrangements” to fill the position of the Attorney General until a new appointment “are currently being considered”.

In a joint statement, First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “On behalf of the Executive, we would like to thank Mr Larkin for his tireless and invaluable work over the past decade.

“The Executive Office will initiate a selection process to help identify and appoint Mr Larkin’s successor. This process will be based on the principles that apply to public appointments and will be an open competition.”