Public Inquiry

Thirlwall Inquiry

Status: Ongoing Chair: Lady Justice Thirlwall Established: Feb 2024 Commissioned by: Department of Health and Social Care

Inquiry into events at the Countess of Chester Hospital following the conviction of nurse Lucy Letby for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others. Public hearings commenced September 2023, concluded March 2025. Final report expected after Easter 2026 …

Reports & milestones

Reports

No reports listed.

Timeline

19 Oct 2023 Inquiry Announced Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced a statutory inquiry following Lucy Letby's conviction.

19 Oct 2023 Chair Appointed Lady Justice Thirlwall appointed as Chair of the Inquiry.

22 Feb 2024 Terms of Referenc… Terms of Reference set to examine events at Countess of Chester Hospital. · Source

16 Sep 2024 Oral Evidence Hea… Public hearings commenced at Liverpool Town Hall. · Source

17 Jan 2025 Oral Evidence Con… Oral evidence phase completed.

17 Mar 2025 Closing Submissio… Closing submissions hearings held 17-19 March 2025.

01 Apr 2026 Report Expected A… Final report publication scheduled for after Easter 2026. · Source

Parliamentary activity

3 mentions since Oct 2023

1 question 2 statements

20 May 2024 Written Question Thirlwall Inquiry: Finance
Samantha Dixon (Labour)

19 Oct 2023 Written Ministerial Statement Thirlwall Inquiry update
Lord Markham (Conservative)

19 Oct 2023 Written Ministerial Statement Thirlwall Inquiry update
Steve Barclay (Conservative)

View all 3 mentions →

Costs

Total: £17,277,000

Period	Total	Inquiry legal	CP legal	Source
Sep 2025	£1,345,000	£503,000	£2,000	link
Sep 2025 (cum.)	£17,277,000	£8,599,000	£3,107,000	link
Mar 2025	£13,098,000	£5,956,000	£2,889,000	link
Mar 2024	£2,834,000	£2,140,000	£216,000	link