Details of the resignation from the McCullough Review panel emerged as Secretary of State Chris Bryant removed the Law Society chief executive from the Human Rights Commission this week. There was controversy earlier this year after Mr Lavery provided a reference for his cousin William Lloyd Lavery, who was convicted of historical sexual offences. The McCullough Review, which reported last year, is headed by London-based barrister Angus McCullough KC. As part of the process, a group of Group of Experts and Stakeholders was appointed, which included Mr Lavery. The McCullough Review and Law Society were contacted.