How the Chilcot Inquiry has gone on and on and on

Inquiry announced Less than a month after the last British combat troops have left Iraq, Gordon Brown announces an inquiry to “learn the lessons” of the conflict. Sir John Chilcot agrees to lead it.

The inquiry holds its first public hearing

The inquiry holds its last public hearing

Publication date announced Sir John Chilcot says his report will be published, at the earliest, in the Autumn of 2011

'Complex' report pushed back The Chilcot inquiry announces that it cannot publish its report before the middle of 2012 if it is to “do justice” to the complexities involved

Chilcot committee member taken ill Sir Martin Gilbert, a member of the five-strong Chilcot panel, is taken seriously ill.

Report pushed back Sir John says he cannot report before mid-2013

Blair/Bush notes discussed Talks over the release of notes of private conversations between Tony Blair and George W Bush begin.

Inquiry standstill over key documents The Chilcot inquiry says it cannot proceed with its work due to an impasse over the release of key documents such as the Blair and Bush notes

Blair/Bush exchanges to be published The Chilcot inquiry announces it will publish the “gist” of exchanges between Blair and Bush, but that full transcripts will remain secret

Blair/Bush talks conclude Talks over the release of the Blair/Bush notes of private conversations come to an end. Thirty will be published with minor redactions.

No report before general election Sir John says his report will not be published before the general election in May 2015.

Sir John speaks out on the delay Sir John says his report had taken “longer than any of us expected would be necessary”.

Sir Martin Gilbert dies Member of the Chilcot inquiry committee, Sir Martin Gilbert, dies.