New lead expected for undercover inquiry

Sir Christopher Pitchford announced in February that he would not be able to complete the work of the Inquiry himself after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. After seeking the advice of the Lord Chief Justice and consulting Sir Christopher on suitable replacements, Sir John Mitting has been chosen by the home secretary to join the Inquiry as a panel member. He will provide support to Sir Christopher with a view to succeeding him as chairman.

The public inquiry was launched in March 2014 by then home secretary Theresa May, which will examine claims of undercover infiltration of political groups after an independent inquiry confirmed that Scotland Yard had spied on the family of Stephen Lawrence.

Sir John Mitting has been a High Court judge in England and Wales since 2001. He served as the chairman of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission from 2007 to 2012.