Ulster Unionists call on Marie Anderson to resign after years of 'chaos' in Police Ombudsman's office
The UUP says it has lost confidence in the ability of Marie Anderson to fulfil the role of Police Ombudsman and called for her to step down, amid ongoing controversy over a domestic incident in 2023.
Jon Burrows made the comments after having told the Assembly on Monday that the head of Northern Ireland’s police watchdog had offered her resignation the day after police were called to her home.
He said the resignation was “parked” by then permanent secretary of the Department of Justice (DoJ) Richard Pengelly, and questioned whether there was “any political involvement” in the “rushed” decision.
In response to a question from DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley, the Justice Minister told the Assembly that the department did not have the “vires” to accept Mrs Anderson’s resignation – which she said can only be made directly to His Majesty the King. Naomi Long said she wouldn’t commit to publishing documents relating to the matter, until she had sought legal advice on the matter.
During Monday’s speech in the Assembly, Mr Burrows also alleged that Mrs Anderson “discouraged” a member of her own staff from making a statement to police about a live criminal investigation – and that she “divulged confidential information about an ombudsman investigation to a family member”.
A spokesperson for the ombudsman’s office said it would be “inappropriate to comment on the matters raised” by Mr Burrows. Mrs Anderson is expected to finish her term this month.
In a social media post on Tuesday afternoon, the UUP MLA said: “We need to get to the bottom of what happened here, because we've had chaos in the ombudsman's office for the last two years”. He added: “We think she needs to step down immediately” – adding that the party has “no confidence in her conduct” or “her integrity”.
Marie Anderson was investigated by police for alleged misconduct in public office and also for the potential offence of perverting the course of justice following a domestic incident in 2023. West Midlands Police were tasked with investigating further aspects of the incident, but prosecutors said there was no reasonable prospect of conviction for any criminal offence.