Lord Colbeck appointed as new chair to lead Sheku Bayoh inquiry

A new chairperson has been appointed to lead the Sheku Bayoh inquiry, almost three months after the last chairperson quit his post.

Bayoh, 31, a father-of-two, died after he was restrained by around six police officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on May 3, 2015.

The Crown Office decided not to take legal action against officers involved following an investigation, but the circumstances are being examined at the inquiry.

On Wednesday, the family was advised by the deputy first minister that Lord Colbeck, who previously headed up the Clutha crash inquiry, amongst others, is to be appointed as the new chair.

The Bayoh family have welcomed his appointment.

Lord Colbeck was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Courts in May 2023.

A graduate of the University of Strathclyde, he was appointed as a part-time sheriff in 2011, prior to being appointed as a sheriff in December 2014, sitting in Greenock and Dumbarton.

He was appointed as Sheriff Principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin in September 2016 and served as the Vice President of the Sheriff Appeal Court from May 2022 until his appointment to the Supreme Courts.

He is replacing Lord Bracadale as the chair of the Bayoh inquiry.

Lord Bracadale quit his post in October two months after he refused to resign over criticism from the Scottish Police Federation after he met privately with the family of Sheku Bayoh on at least five occasions.

He confirmed he was stepping down after the meetings with the family “gave rise to an appearance of bias”.

Lord Bracadale led the Sheku Bayoh Inquiry since he was appointed in January 2020 and heard 122 days of evidence.

A spokesperson for the inquiry previously said: “Much important work remains to be done to fulfil the Inquiry’s terms of reference.”

In a statement released on behalf of the Bayoh family on Wednesday, solicitor Aamer Anwar said it will be “no simple task” for Lord Colbeck to take over the reins of the inquiry, but the family said the “evidence has been heard, can be seen and read – it is time to restart the stopwatch”.

Mr Anwar said that both Police Scotland and the Solicitor General must now publicly back the inquiry, protect 122 days of evidence taken under oath and allow the inquiry to conclude under a new Chair.

“A new timetable must be set as soon as possible and parties allowed to prepare their closing submissions,” Mr Anwar said on behalf of Mr Bayoh’s family.

“The family have no doubt that the new Chair will be impartial and robust and hope he can win the confidence of the legal team and assessors to return, but also that he will continue to treat the family with compassion, respect and empathy as Lord Bracadale did.”

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) also welcomed the appointment of Lord Colbeck as chairperson.

“This is a deeply important national process that touches the lives of many – not least the family of Mr Bayoh, the officers involved, and policing as a whole in Scotland,” David Kennedy, SPF general secretary, said.

“We recognise the significance of ensuring that public confidence is restored and that all parties feel heard, respected, and treated with fairness throughout the Inquiry.

“Lord Colbeck brings extensive legal experience, a strong record of judicial independence, and a reputation for balanced and impartial decision-making. We believe his appointment provides continuity, stability, and a clear pathway toward concluding the important work that remains.

Mr Kennedy continued: “Our members have a right to be treated with dignity and afforded due process, and we are confident that under Lord Colbeck’s leadership, the Inquiry will remain focused on establishing facts and learning lessons – rather than assigning blame.

“The SPF remains steadfast in supporting the officers involved and ensuring their voices are properly represented as the Inquiry moves toward a conclusion that strengthens policing, public confidence, and transparency for everyone in Scotland.”