THE Lord Chancellor has apologised for the first time about the delay in deciding an under-fire coroner's future.

Lord Falconer has still to decide what will happen to Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield, despite a judicial investigation being completed four months ago.

Circuit judge John Milford was appointed last year to look into complaints about Mr Sheffield's backlog of unfinished inquests.

His report was given to the Lord Chancellor in December, but he is still to make the findings known.

A spokeswoman for the Office of Constitutional Affairs said: "Lord Falconer understands everyone's frustration at the delay in making an announcement on the outcome of the investigation.

"But coronial law is very complex and he expects to make an announcement in due course."

Five Teesside MPs have written to Lord Falconer demanding the recommendations are made public immediately.

Mr Sheffield, who has been Teesside Coroner for more than 30 years, was criticised when it emerged last year he had a backlog of 200 inquests.

He said a shortage of experienced staff had caused the delays and asked for more money from Cleveland Police to ease the problem.