A lawyer representing families of some of serial killer nurse Lucy Letby’s victims has welcomed government confirmation that they will be able to help shape terms of reference for the statutory inquiry.

Health secretary Steve Barclay announced yesterday that Court of Appeal judge Lady Justice Thirlwall will lead the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Letby’s crimes. Letby was sentenced on 21 August to a whole life-term after being found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six more at the Countess of Chester NHS Hospital Trust’s neonatal unit between 2015 and 2016.

Barclay said he has raised with Thirlwall ‘the fact that the families should work with her to shape the terms of reference’ and discussed their desire for the inquiry to take place in phases so vital questions can be answered quickly.

Switalskis Solicitors senior associate Tamlin Bolton, who represents families of seven ictims of Letby, said: ‘It is fair to say that the horrific crimes committed by Letby have led to many more questions requiring vital answers so that the families involved can begin to process the events that have taken place.

‘Given what is in the public domain so far around the circumstances of Letby’s crimes, it is imperative that the families affected are heard if they are to have the highest confidence in the process. That’s why we are delighted that the families will be working with Lady Justice Thirlwall to help shape the terms of reference of the inquiry, which will specifically consider the trust’s response to the clinicians who raised the alarm about Letby.’