Labour MP Margaret Mullane failed to attend a coroner’s court hearing into the death of a three-year-old boy from her constituency, claiming she was needed in Parliament — but her office later admitted she had been at a local school instead.
The Dagenham and Rainham MP was ordered to appear at East London Coroner’s Court on Thursday, 15 May, after senior coroner Graeme Irvine accused her office of misleading bereaved parents and unlawfully attempting to interfere in a judicial investigation.
Asked whether the MP’s office had raised the matter with the Department for Health and Social Care — the government body actually responsible for post-mortem resources — he said they had not.
The coroner ruled Whelan would not face contempt proceedings, accepting that his actions stemmed from ignorance, not malice.
A Family Still Waiting
Meanwhile, Ahsanul’s parents remain in limbo. Greek authorities have yet to provide key documents, and London’s limited post-mortem infrastructure has left critical evidence at risk of deterioration.
Mrs Mullane’s office declined to comment further, saying it would be “inappropriate” ahead of her eventual court appearance.
