Levelling Up Committee endorses incoming Ombudsman but voices concerns over potential conflict with Law Society role

MPs on the cross-party committee questioned Somal during a committee session earlier this month (18 September) on her intentions to chair the Law Society from January 2024, around the same time she is due to become Ombudsman, and her intention to retain a judicial appointment.

At the hearing, Somal said: "The chair of the Law Society is the chair of the board of the Law Society. It is not the president of the Law Society. The chair of the Law Society is responsible for overseeing the board […] I do not see a perceived conflict. […] My judicial sittings, I have put into abeyance until my term comes to an end."

Somal is currently the Complaints Commissioner at the Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner and also Chief Commissioner at the Data and Marketing Commission.

She has sat as a Judge of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal for almost 20 years.

In a letter to Local Government Minister Lee Rowley following the hearing, the committee's chair, Clive Betts MP, wrote: "Given the quasi-judicial functions of the Ombudsman service, there is a risk of a perceived or actual conflict of interest which could arise from Ms Somal holding a role at the Law Society or continuing to work as a judge whilst being the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman."

On behalf of the committee, he asked for clarification on the nature and remuneration of Somal's upcoming Law Society role, and he asked what the Government's assessment of the potential conflict of interest that could arise and what action it would take if a conflict of interest was found.

He also asked if Somal intends to sit as a judge at any point during her terms as Ombudsman.

"Without clarity on these questions, we would be concerned about Ms Somal's credibility in the role. However, we have endorsed Ms Somal because we are confident that you will be able to provide sufficient clarity in your response," the letter reads.

Somal will replace the interim Ombudsman, Paul Najsarek, in January 2024.

Adam Carey