Head of inquiry on Shipman steps down

Lord Laming, appointed to head the inquiry into the serial killer Harold Shipman, has resigned to meet other work commitments.

Lord Laming, appointed to head the inquiry into the serial killer Harold Shipman, has resigned to meet other work commitments.

On Thursday Alan Milburn, Secretary of State for Health, said he would not appeal against a High Court judgment overturning his decision to hold the inquiry in private.

Relatives of victims of Shipman, a former GP, had campaigned for a full inquiry in public. Lord Laming said it would now take far longer than he had anticipated.

Shipman, 54, who had a practice in Hyde, Greater Manchester, was jailed for life in January for 15 murders but police believe he could be responsible for nearly 200.

Lord Laming wants to be able to continue his role in the House of Lords and his work with projects connected with fostering and care of the elderly.

The Secretary of State is now consulting relatives of Shipman's victims before announcing what format the new inquiry will take.