Title

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

EXCLUSIVE: Reorganisation door open for 2028

By Ann McGauran | 01 October 2026

Some two-tier areas could still be encouraged to stick to the original reorganisation timetable despite the Government pausing the process, The MJ understands.

LEGAL

Rewiring the state: Shock treatment for councils?

By Steve Leach | 01 October 2026

Colin Copus and Steve Leach ask if a rewired state will lead local government to blow a fuse.

LEGAL

Strategic authorities: Staying off the ropes

By Dan Peters | 29 September 2026

Dan Peters assesses Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority’s progress under mayor Luke Campbell, and asks how new strategic authorities can get off to a ...

LEGAL

Is local government reorganisation still in the race?

By Michael Burton | 25 September 2026

The Government has postponed one complex reform, LGR, in favour of another, devolution, which is no less complex. Let’s hope this too doesn’t end up in the o...

Popular articles by William Eichler

-->