Update: 15 July 2026
Following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings in Rex v Paul Quinn, the Inquiry was able to recommence its work, and work is underway to discharge and address the Inquiry Terms of Reference.
The Inquiry is committed to reaching its final conclusions without undue delay, whilst continuing to ensure that the process remains fair, thorough and transparent throughout.
The Inquiry is now able to continue to complete Phase 2 actions which were delayed, to ensure no prejudice to the prosecution at the time. Phase 2 includes:
- Continuing to seek and receive disclosure from material providers;
- Reviewing the forensic actions and decisions in Andrew Malkinson’s case. The updated evidence and disclosure relating to forensics as collated during the Prosecution is in the process of being disclosed and reviewed by the Inquiry team. Once consideration of this new forensic and scientific material has been completed the Inquiry will be better informed as to any further overview by an independent forensic scientist required to discharge the terms of reference; and
- Identifying and requesting witnesses to provide statements addressing the relevant issues.
Gaby Perrott has been appointed as Secretary to the Inquiry, alongside a newly established secretariat team. The Inquiry also welcomes Professor David Ormerod CBE KC to its Counsel Team.
Update: 17 April 2026
The Inquiry Terms of Reference are explicit that the Inquiry should operate so as to not prejudice the criminal investigation of what is now known to be Rex v Paul Quinn.
This has meant that the work of the Inquiry has been necessarily delayed and impacted further to submissions the Inquiry received from GMP and the CPS that the work of the Inquiry had to be paused until the trial concluded so as not to risk prejudicing this trial.
Now that the Jury at Manchester Crown Court have returned their verdicts on 17 April 2026 in a trial presided over by Mr Justice Bright, the Inquiry can recommence and continue its work to discharge and address the Terms of Reference which will ultimately result in the publication of the Andrew Malkinson Inquiry Report.
Further updates will be provided as soon as the Inquiry is able.
The Inquiry was announced on 24 August 2023 by The Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC MP, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and the Rt Hon Victoria Prentice KC MP, the Attorney General. Read the announcement.
On 26 October 2023, The Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC MP announced that the Inquiry would be chaired by Her Honour Judge Sarah Munro KC and the terms of reference were published. Read the statement to Parliament.
Details of the key people in the inquiry team, led by HHJ Sarah Munro KC can be found on the Inquiry Team page. See the team.