Public Inquiry Chair Announced

Lord Colbeck will lead the independent Public Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Sheku Bayoh, following the resignation of former Chair Lord Bracadale.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes notified the Scottish Parliament of the appointment today and has written to all the Inquiry’s core participants informing them of the appointment. Lord Colbeck takes up the role from Monday 2 March 2026.

Lord Colbeck was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Courts in May 2023, having previously served as Sheriff Principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin from September 2016 and as Vice President of the Sheriff Appeal Court from May 2022.

The Deputy First Minister said:  “I welcome Lord Colbeck to the role. The appointment of a new Chair has been taken forward as a priority to enable the Public Inquiry to complete its work. 

“I am pleased that someone of Lord Colbeck’s experience and in-depth knowledge of the Scottish justice system will take forward this work, and I look forward to the Public Inquiry coming to its conclusion as quickly as practicable.”

Background

Public inquiries operate independently of government and it will be for Lord Colbeck to determine the next steps in the Inquiry when he takes up the role.

Lord Colbeck, Craig Turnbull, biography

Written question and answer: S6W-43012 | Scottish Parliament Website