Sheku Bayoh inquiry legal team resigns after chair steps down amid police criticism

The Sheku Bayoh inquiry, investigating the 2015 death of Mr. Bayoh while in police custody, has been plunged into turmoil following the resignation of its chair, Lord Bracadale, amid concerns about his impartiality and private meetings with Bayoh's family. Subsequently, the entire senior and junior legal team, including lead counsel Angela Graham KC, also resigned, raising fears that the inquiry could collapse or face significant delays. The Scottish Police Federation had earlier called for Bracadale's recusal, but he initially refused, later stepping down after acknowledging loss of confidence. The inquiry, which has cost over £50 million, examines whether racial bias influenced the police response during the incident where Bayoh was restrained by six officers and later died. Bayoh's family expressed feelings of betrayal by the justice system and threatened to withdraw from the inquiry. Scottish ministers are now responsible for appointing a new chair, who will then select a new legal team to continue the investigation.