Senior circuit judge appointed as Chief Coroner to lead reforms

His Honour Judge Peter Thornton QC has been appointed as the first Chief Coroner of England and Wales and tasked with setting new national standards in the coroner system.

As Chief Coroner, the judge will develop a national framework within which coroners will operate, including rules and regulations, guidance and practice directions.

The move is a part of a drive to make inquests timely and effective and to ensure bereaved families are provided with the information and support they need.

The appointment was made by the Lord Chief Justice in consultation with the Lord Chancellor.

Judge Thornton, who is a Senior Circuit Judge at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey), will formally start his role in September 2012. He will also continue to sit in the Administrative Court to hear judicial reviews on coronial matters.

The Lord Chancellor, Ken Clarke, said: “Everyone is agreed that the priority is to ensure coroners provide a high standard of service at what can be a difficult time for bereaved families.

“I am therefore giving the Chief Coroner the full range of powers to drive up standards, including thorough coroner training, and to tackle delays within the system."

Judge Thornton said that as “with any ancient and well-respected system there is room for improvement and development”.

He added: “I will aim to provide quality and uniformity in the coroner system, with a national consistency of approach and standards between coroner areas. Openness, inclusiveness, thoroughness and fairness must be at the heart of this process if it is to be effective and serve the needs of the public.”