On 1 August 2003, the Hutton Inquiry formally began its investigation into the death of government weapons expert Dr David Kelly, one of the most significant public inquiries in modern British political history.
Opening proceedings in London, Lord Hutton said his first task was to establish "a fuller picture of the facts" surrounding Dr Kelly's death and the events leading up to it.
Dr Kelly, a respected microbiologist and former United Nations weapons inspector, had been identified as the source of discussions with BBC journalist Andrew Gilligan regarding claims made about Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction. His identity became public after he was questioned by parliamentary committees.
On 18 July 2003, Dr Kelly was found dead near his home in Oxfordshire. His death prompted widespread public concern and intense political scrutiny, leading Prime Minister Tony Blair to announce an independent judicial inquiry.
Over the following months, the Hutton Inquiry heard evidence from government ministers, civil servants, BBC executives, journalists and members of Dr Kelly's family. Public hearings were broadcast widely and attracted significant national interest.
Lord Hutton published his report on 28 January 2004. The inquiry concluded that Dr Kelly had taken his own life and found no evidence of a conspiracy surrounding his death. It also criticised aspects of the BBC's editorial processes relating to Andrew Gilligan's reporting while examining the Government's handling of Dr Kelly's identity.
The publication of the report led to the resignation of BBC Chairman Gavyn Davies and Director-General Greg Dyke, while Andrew Gilligan also later left the BBC.
More than two decades later, the Hutton Inquiry remains one of the most closely examined public inquiries in recent British history, reflecting its lasting significance in debates over government accountability, journalism and the reporting of matters of national security.