A new full-time area coroner for Cumbria has been appointed.
Margaret Taylor, was was an assistant coroner for the county, has been given the new role following a formal competitive process. Ms Taylor’s appointment has been approved by both the Chief Coroner and the Lady Chief Justice.
Ms Taylor was a partner at a leading medical healthcare law firm in Manchester, and was appointed as assistant coroner for Cumbria in 2018.
In 2024 Ms Taylor was also appointed as part-time area coroner for Blackpool and Fylde, while continuing to sit in Cumbria regularly.
The area coroner supports the senior coroner and is their designated deputy and can act in their place when needed. They share the same judicial powers as the senior coroner.
Kirsty Gomersal, senior coroner for Cumbria, said: “My congratulations to Ms Taylor on her appointment. I am delighted that she will be continuing to be part of the team, but now on a full-time basis.
“Ms Taylor brings a wealth of experience from both private practice and her previous coronial roles, and her dedication and professionalism will help ensure the coroners service in Cumbria continues investigate deaths to the highest standard and to support bereaved families at one of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Ms Taylor said: “Cumbria is a fantastic county, and one which I enjoy both living and working in, and it has been and will continue to be a privilege to have served the county and its communities as area coroner. I look forward to continuing to ensure that the deceased and the bereaved families remain firmly at the heart of the coronial process.”
