Incoming Ombudsman pauses judicial appointments over conflict of interest concerns

The Government's preferred candidate for the next Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, Amerdeep Somal, has decided to pause her role as a judge on the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal after recognising it could represent a conflict of interest with her position as Ombudsman.

Somal has agreed with the President of the Tribunal that her judicial role will be held in abeyance during her tenure as Ombudsman, nor will she sit as a judge or undertake any training, according to Local Government Minister Lee Rowley.

The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee had raised questions about the potential conflict of interest in September.

The committee, which endorsed Somal for Ombudsman despite the concern, also questioned Somal's intention to become chair of the Law Society from January 2024, around the same time she is due to become Ombudsman.

In a letter responding to the committee, Rowley said the Law Society board has "no powers or functions concerning the standards solicitors must follow, nor does it carry out investigations or make decisions related to conduct or standards".

He added: "The role is internal-facing and Ms Somal will not act as a spokesperson for the Law Society."

Rowley also clarified that Somal will not sit on the Law Society Council, which is distinct from the board and acts as the executive decision-making body for the organisation.

The minister said: "We do not anticipate that a perceived conflict of interest could arise between the role of chair and the Ombudsman's investigatory casework. 

"However, Ms Somal has informed me that she is prepared to recuse herself on a case-by-case basis should such a conflict, or a perceived conflict, arise."

Somal will work 36 days a year in her role at the Law Society and be paid £45,500.

She also intends to resign her position on the Board of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, as the two Ombudsmen are ex-officio members of their respective boards, and it would not be possible for her to hold two Board roles simultaneously.

Somal is expected to replace the interim Ombudsman, Paul Najsarek, in January 2024.

Adam Carey