The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office suspended Nigel Meadows more than two years ago. It has now been confirmed he has retired, but the body refused to provide an update on its investigation
Nigel Meadows(Image: M.E.N.)
Manchester’s senior coroner Nigel Meadows – suspended amid allegations of sexual harassment and other claims – has retired.
It comes after the Manchester Evening News revealed in June 2022 concerns had been raised about his conduct and capacity to do the job. A formal complaint on behalf of Manchester council was made to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) asking for an investigation.
The complaint, made in April 2021 by area coroner Zak Golombeck and Manchester council’s most senior lawyer Fiona Ledden, raised concerns in five areas of conduct – including inappropriate comments by Mr Meadows, both within inquests and outside of proceedings; and behaviour described as ‘bizarre’.
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It is understood several female members of staff in the coroners’ office made complaints about Mr Meadows’ alleged behaviour. Complaints concerned alleged inappropriate remarks about clothing and alleged inappropriate staring, it is believed.
Mr Golombeck and Ms Ledden’s letter called for Mr Meadows’ ‘interim suspension’ pending the outcome of an investigation. In March 2023, it was confirmed Mr Meadows had been suspended after MP Graham Stringer spoke in Parliament about a Manchester coroner being ‘subject to accusations of sexual harassment’.
Mr Stringer did not name the person subject to the allegations, but it is understood he was referring to Mr Meadows – who continued to oversee inquests for 23 months between the initial complaint and his suspension.
Manchester council is understood to have carried out a ‘risk assessment’ into accusations of sexual harassment against Mr Meadows, with the findings passed to the JCIO. Although Mr Meadows was funded by the town hall, he was completely independent.
The Manchester Evening News has made numerous attempts to speak to Mr Meadows – who presided over more than 1,000 inquests throughout his career – for comment. He did not respond when the complaint was made, or when he was suspended.
Manchester council has now confirmed Mr Meadows has retired. The JCIO – which is responsible for investigating complaints against judicial officers, including coroners – refused to provide an update on the investigation and directed the Manchester Evening News to the town hall. Progress on the investigation, or any findings, are not known.
A Manchester council spokesperson said: “After over 28 years of public service as a Senior Coroner, 19 of which were in the Manchester City area, Nigel Meadows decided to retire at the end of July 2025.
“He dealt with many challenging issues during his time including the Coronial response to the Manchester Arena terrorist bombing (acknowledged by the Prime Minister at the time).
“The Chief Coroner has thanked Nigel Meadows for his ‘long service and hard work’ for the Manchester City coroner area. He has supported a close family member during a very serious illness and continues to do so.
“This has been an added burden and in the circumstances he feels that now is the time to retire in the interests of his own health and wellbeing and that of his family.”