Written by A growing chorus of whistleblowers, doctors, and legal professionals is calling for urgent action against Employment Judge Lancaster, who faces mounting allegations of bullying, bias, and judicial misconduct in the UK’s Employment Tribunal system. Despite a string of complaints, overturned judgments, and media exposés, the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) has so far refused to launch a full investigation—prompting campaigners to take the matter to court.
A Pattern Too Serious to Ignore
The campaign, led by sellafield whistleblower Alison McDermott FCIPD and supported by leading human rights lawyers Deighton Pierce Glynn, highlights a troubling pattern: 13 formal complaints, five judgments overturned on appeal with damning criticism, and three BBC reports detailing “bullying and misogyny” in Judge Lancaster’s courtroom. Yet, to date, there has been no official investigation into his conduct.
The majority of complainants are women and ethnic minority professionals, raising further concerns about systemic injustice within the tribunal system.
Doctors Speak Out: “This Is Not Justice”
In a recent video, two doctors shared their experiences of appearing before Judge Lancaster. Dr Hinaa Toheed, a GP, described being shouted at 16 times in three days—a fact corroborated by her barrister, who is also a judge. “He was shocked at what he had witnessed and therefore released his notes, and we made a complaint about him. Regardless of that, the Senior President of the Employment Tribunal did nothing about it,” Dr Toheed said.
Dr B, a consultant cardiologist, recounted how his whistleblowing on multiple patient deaths was met with hostility. “Judge Lancaster willfully ignored evidence of false death certificates and cover-up by the Trust. I’m now forced to take legal action to address this injustice,” he said. Dr B added, “If this was a doctor, they would have been investigated by the GMC by now, but because it was a judge, nothing has been done”.
Both doctors allege that Judge Lancaster blocked and ignored evidence, treated claimants in a hostile manner, and that complaints about his conduct have been piling up for years. “We all went to the Employment Tribunal to seek justice, and instead, we found Employment Judge Lancaster. He shouted at us, he blocked and ignored evidence, and treated the claimants in a hostile manner. For seven years, complaints have been piling up about Employment Judge Lancaster, and it was after we went to the BBC that more people came forward,” Dr B said.
A System Without Scrutiny
Campaigners argue that the lack of audio recordings in tribunal hearings allows judges’ notes to stand as the official record, making it nearly impossible to prove when evidence is ignored or unfairness occurs. “We were horrified to discover that our hearings were not recorded. The Justice Secretary told my MP that if there is no audio recording the judge’s notes stand as the official court record. Yet Judge Lancaster, facing multiple charges of misconduct, is being allowed to block the evidence that could prove it. This is not justice — it’s a travesty that strips us of the right to a fair trial,” said Alison McDermott, a Sellafield whistleblower.
Taking the Fight to Court
With the JCIO refusing to investigate, campaigners are now seeking a judicial review to compel the watchdog to act. They argue that the case is about more than individual grievances: it is about protecting the 35,000 tribunal users each year from unaccountable judges and ensuring that those who risk their careers to expose wrongdoing are not silenced.
The legal team, which includes barristers from Blackstone, Doughty Street, and Goldsmith Chambers, has already slashed its fees to support the case. However, campaigners must raise £30,000 to bring the matter before the courts. If the campaign does not reach its initial target, all donations will be returned.
A Call for Public Support
“This case is bigger than us: if this can happen to multiple whistleblowers, it can happen to you and your loved ones,” the campaign states. “They have the power. With your help, we’ll have justice.”
The campaigners have set a deadline of November to file their judicial review application, warning that every day counts in their fight for accountability.
For more information, or to support the campaign, visit the official fundraising page.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is published for public interest commentary and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it target or defame any specific individual. Any references to judicial conduct, institutions, or systemic failures are based on publicly available information, reported cases, and fair comment. Readers should seek independent legal advice for any personal matters.