Tributes paid to Senior Coroner Kevin McLoughlin

Wakefield Council has paid tribute to Kevin McLoughlin, HM Senior Coroner for West Yorkshire (Eastern Area) who died earlier this week.

Mr McLoughlin was appointed as the Senior Coroner in 2018 and covered the Local Authority boundaries of Wakefield and Leeds.

Under his leadership, the HM Coroner’s Office for West Yorkshire (Eastern Area) achieved national recognition, ranking first in the country for concluded inquests in 2023 and 2024. Mr McLoughlin also oversaw the modernisation of the regional office. He played a key role in securing a new, purpose built facility for the coroner’s team, an investment that will benefit the region for years to come. He was also committed to shaping national policy and driving system wide changes to improve coroner’s services across the UK.

During his time as Senior Coroner he presided over several high profile inquests, including the inquest into the death of Ann McGuire, a case that attracted significant national attention.

Wakefield Council is the Local Authority responsible for managing the HM Coroner’s Office for West Yorkshire (Eastern Area). The Council’s Chief Executive Tony Reeves said: “We offer our sincere condolences to Mr McLoughlin’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues here in Wakefield and from across the wider coronial and legal community.

“Mr McLoughlin’s contribution will leave a lasting impact regionally and nationally. Reaching beyond individual casework, helping to shape national policy and drive system improvements. He was also an advocate for widening access to the legal profession. He championed opportunities for people from a broader range of academic backgrounds, helping to diversify and strengthen the future of the Bar.

“His legacy is one of integrity and innovation. And his contributions will continue to shape the coronial services long into the future.”

Prior to taking up the role of Senior Coroner, Mr McLoughlin was a part-time Assistant Coroner for the region, whilst being a barrister practising at chambers in London. He had also sat as a coroner in London, Sheffield and Greater Manchester. At the start of his legal career, he was a university law lecturer. Before transferring to the Bar, he was a solicitor and partner in two national firms where he held senior management positions.

Interim arrangements are in place and Wakefield Council will continue to work with the Chief Coroner’s Office to ensure the coronial service is fully supported.