KC to Review Ranson Case

Richard Wright KC has been appointed to undertake review of the gov’s handling of the Dr Rosalind Ranson case.

Dr Ranson was unfairly dismissed after whistleblowing about the gov’s actions at the start of the pandemic, suffering degrading treatment from the then health bosses.

The subject of the review, as determined by Tynwald, is the management by the gov of the Dr Ranson versus DHSC employment case. The Select Committee will work with Mr Wright to bring detailed terms of reference to Tynwald in July.

Chair of the Select Committee Daphne Caine MHK said: ‘I am delighted that the Select Committee, on behalf of Tynwald, has secured the services of Richard Wright KC for this important role. In him, I am confident that we have found someone with the knowledge, experience, skills and personal qualities needed to scrutinise these complex and sensitive matters and to deliver a thorough and completely independent review without fear or favour or political interference.’

Richard Wright KC was called to the English Bar in 1998 and took silk in 2013. His broad practice includes criminal, regulatory and public law. He has previously acted in the Manchester Arena Inquiry and has been appointed as Counsel to the UK-wide Covid-19 public inquiry.  He is head of the largest multi-disciplinary set of Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit and has recently completed a three-year term as leader of that Circuit, guiding the profession through its response to the pandemic. He sits as a Recorder in the Crown and County Courts and is a Deputy High Court Judge. In 2022 he was appointed by the Lord Chancellor as a non-judicial member of the Sentencing Council.

He said: ‘I am grateful to the Select Committee for appointing me to complete this important review. I am determined to produce an independent and comprehensive report to Tynwald as quickly as possible. I fully acknowledge the widespread concern that that these events have caused to the public and I look forward to beginning my work.’