Sir John O’Hara KC was appointed to lead an independent review of the Parades Commission’s decision-making processes and organisational governance, the Northern Ireland Office announced on 23 September 2026. Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant said the review followed a recent court judgment and should restore confidence in how the Commission reaches decisions.

The review’s scope covers guidelines and procedural rules, mediation, and engagement with parade organisers, residents, police and other stakeholders, and it will examine the recent judicial review. The Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 is excluded, as is any question of whether permission should or should have been granted for a particular parade, and Commissioner appointments.

The terms of reference said a draft report was due no later than 6 weeks from the review start date, with a final report within 2 weeks of the draft. Bryant also said final preparations were underway for a public appointments process for new commissioners, following a commissioner’s resignation and the upcoming end of tenure for current members.