Stephen Parkinson

Stephen Lindsay Parkinson (born 15 June 1957) is an English solicitor and former barrister, who has been the Director of Public Prosecutions (England and Wales) (DPP) and head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) since November 2023.

Early life and education Parkinson was born on 15 June 1957 to Edward Parkinson, an Anglican priest, and Mary Parkinson, a physician. From 1979 to 1980, he was a bar student at the Inns of Court School of Law. becoming partner in the same year. From 2006 to 2018, he was head of the criminal litigation practice. In May 2018, he became the firm's senior partner. He retired in 2023 after 20 years with the firm.

In September 2023, it was announced that he would be the next Director of Public Prosecutions and head of the Crown Prosecution Service. He took up the post on 1 November 2023, succeeding Sir Max Hill. He is the first solicitor to be the DPP since the 1960s, and the first to head the CPS.