The long-running public inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh has a new chairman, with Supreme Court judge Lord Colbeck appointed to lead its final stages. The announcement was made by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
A Change at the Helm Following Impartiality Concerns
The appointment comes almost three months after the previous chair, Lord Bracadale, was forced to resign. His departure followed a successful judicial review raised by the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents rank-and-file officers, alongside PCs Craig Walker and Nicole Short. They had argued that private meetings Lord Bracadale held with Mr Bayoh's family compromised his perceived impartiality.
Lord Bracadale stated the meetings aimed to maintain the family's confidence in the inquiry. However, he ultimately conceded that most core participants would lack faith in any report he produced, damaging public confidence. He tendered his resignation to Ms Forbes in late 2024.
Family and Federation React to New Appointment
Solicitor Aamer Anwar, speaking for the Bayoh family, welcomed Lord Colbeck's appointment. He described the new chair as having "a formidable reputation, a no nonsense judge" who acts without fear or favour. Mr Anwar acknowledged the challenge of taking over but stressed that "the evidence has been heard... it is time to restart the stopwatch."
David Kennedy, general secretary of the SPF, also welcomed the move. "Police officers and all those who have provided evidence to the inquiry over the past five years look forward to a fair and transparent outcome," he said, adding they were ready to assist the new chair.
The Inquiry's Focus and Next Steps
Sheku Bayoh, a 31-year-old father of two, died in May 2015 after being restrained by approximately six police officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife. While the Crown Office decided against prosecuting the officers, the public inquiry is examining:
- The circumstances surrounding his death.
- How the subsequent investigation was handled.
- The critical question of whether race was a contributing factor.
All witness evidence has already been heard. Lord Colbeck, who will formally begin his role on 2 March, will oversee the closing submissions before preparing the inquiry's final report. He brings considerable experience, having chaired the fatal accident inquiry into the 2013 Clutha helicopter crash in Glasgow.
Kate Forbes stated the appointment was a priority to allow the inquiry to complete its work, expressing confidence in Lord Colbeck's "experience and in-depth knowledge of the Scottish justice system."
