A statement from IICSA chairwoman Alexis Jay confirmed the suspension: ‘The inquiry has recently become very concerned about aspects of Mr Emmerson’s leadership of the counsel team. He has therefore been suspended from duty so that these can be properly investigated.’ Formerly of Doughty Chambers, Mr Emmerson is one of 35 QCs at renowned human rights set Matrix Chambers who reportedly earned around £400,000 from his work for the IICSA last year.

Bindmans instructed

For his part, Mr Emmerson reportedly only learned of his suspension from the inquiry after reading an IICSA announcement published on the internet. He has instructed Bindmans to advise him on the matter: ‘Mr Emmerson has read this evening on the internet that he has been suspended from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse,’ said a statement from the firm. ‘If, and when, allegations are put to him, he will respond appropriately.

Ongoing turbulence

The £100m inquiry was set up in 2014 to investigate whether public institutions, including the police, have been doing enough to protect children in the UK from sexual violence and abuse, and is expected to run for at least a decade. Mr Emmerson’s suspension is the just latest in a string of controversial exits that have already disturbed the inquiry’s work, including the departures of three former chairwomen.

Sources: The Lawyer; The Telegraph; Legal Cheek