LEGAL

Former Haringey leader takes legal action against Ombudsman

Former leader of Haringey LBC, Joseph Ejiofor, has issued legal proceedings to challenge the Local Government Ombudsman’s decision to name him in a report.

Former leader of Haringey LBC, Joseph Ejiofor, has issued legal proceedings to challenge the Local Government Ombudsman's decision to name him in a report.

The report followed a row over the council's refusal to buy a property as part of a wider development scheme.

This scheme was eventually abandoned due to local opposition and because the council concluded it did not represent value for money.

The owner of the property complained to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) who issued a critical report that named Cllr Ejiofor.

LGSCO's report said the council's decision to abandon the development was taken without proper scrutiny and analysis of all options and consideration of the consequences.

Cllr Ejiofor has taken his case to the High Court, where he plans to challenge the Ombudsman's decision to include his name in the report.

He said: ‘While the Ombudsman enjoys broad discretion in many areas its ability to name and shame individuals is tightly prescribed by law because these decisions have severe personal consequences.

‘I am seeking leave to judicially review the Ombudsman's decision to name me because I believe it to be legally flawed and because I want my good name back.'

An LGSCO spokesperson said: ‘As the councillor has indicated he has lodged a claim with the court, it would be inappropriate for us to say anything further.'

LEGAL

Selling the family silver

By Emily Twinch | 24 March 2025

Heritage assets can cost councils hundreds of thousands of pounds to maintain, and with times as tough as they are it could feel like the natural option to s...

LEGAL

Lay of the land

By MJ reporters | 24 March 2025

The MJ team breaks down the current state of play after the passing of the deadline for areas to make initial unitary proposals. With the future shape of loc...

LEGAL

Hampshire hits reorganisation deadlock

By Dan Peters | 13 March 2025

No decision will be made on the number of unitaries that will cover Hampshire and the Solent ahead of the deadline for interim reorganisation plans.

LEGAL

Dorset appoints interim chief

By Martin Ford | 12 March 2025

Sam Crowe has been appointed interim chief executive at Dorset Council.

Popular articles by William Eichler