The decision by Peter Straker to resign as Bradford Coroner would appear to be the beginning of the end of a long and drawn-out investigation into complaints about his conduct that started in January last year.

But many questions remain to be answered over not just the complaints themselves, but also in relation to the length of time the inquiry – which is still going on, although it is apparently close to concluding – has taken and the fact that Dr Straker has remained on full pay up until his resignation.

Dr Straker was suspended on full pay on February 6 last year, which means his £100,000 per year salary was paid from the public purse right up until his decision to resign. At a time of stringent cuts, questions have to be asked about whether this was right to do.

The investigation itself by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office was originally given a 90-day timescale – it is now close to 14 months since it began, and although it was undoubtedly complex, questions must also be asked about why it has dragged on for so long.

The inquiry findings, which will be sent to Chris Grayling, the Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor, and the Chief Justice Lord Thomas for any decisions, must be made public.

The serious allegations made against Dr Straker and the way he handled inquests by members of the public, and the claims made relating to the way inquests were sometimes conducted, must be answered.

This was a public servant in one of the most important jobs in the city, and the result of this inquiry is completely in the public interest. Full disclosure is the least any families who have concerns about the way inquests were conducted on their loved ones by Dr Straker deserve.