Nuku’alofa — Proceedings in the Legislative Assembly were temporarily suspended on Monday after a controversial allegation concerning Chief Justice Lord Malcolm Bishop KC was raised during debate.
The Chair of the Whole House Committee, Lord Tu’ilakepa, ordered a break in proceedings after People’s Representative Piveni Piukala made an allegation regarding the Chief Justice’s health.
Lord Tu’ilakepa immediately informed the House that he would not accept the claim, describing the matter as highly sensitive and inappropriate for parliamentary discussion without substantiation.
He subsequently called for Parliament to adjourn temporarily to prevent further discussion of the issue.
Previous Appointment Controversy
The incident is the latest controversy involving Lord Bishop, 82, since his appointment as Chief Justice in September 2024.
His appointment attracted significant public attention after reports emerged regarding his sexual orientation and a long-term same-sex relationship during his years in the United Kingdom.
Following his appointment, a number of legal practitioners and conservative groups petitioned King Tupou VI, calling for Lord Bishop’s removal from office.
The petition, as reported by Kaniva News at the time, dated 26 August, said Bishop was in a “sodomous relationship” with a British businessman for 51 years before his partner was killed by thieves in 2019.
These claims contributed to a wider national debate, generating significant public discussion about judicial appointments, constitutional principles, and social values in Tonga.
At the time, senior lawyer Clive Edwards accused Lord Dalgety and the King’s Judicial Appointments Panel of recommending Mr Bishop for appointment despite concerns that his sexual orientation and personal background conflicted with the Constitution and laws of Tonga.
However, supporters maintained that Mr Bishop’s judicial qualifications, extensive professional experience, and ability to perform the duties of Chief Justice should remain the primary considerations.
As of the time of publication, there has been no public response from Lord Bishop regarding the allegation raised in Parliament. No evidence was presented during the parliamentary proceedings to substantiate the claim.
Kaniva News attempted to contact the Chief Justice for comment but was unable to reach him before publication. It remains unclear whether the matter will be revisited when Parliament resumes debate.
