The grooming gangs inquiry has been plunged into chaos as Jim Gamble, a former police chief and international campaigner against child sexual abuse, withdrew his candidacy to chair the investigation.
Gamble’s decision came after victims expressed a loss of confidence in the process, branding the inquiry “toxic.”
Gamble’s withdrawal follows the exit of Annie Hudson, a social worker, who stepped down as a candidate on Tuesday. The departures have dealt a significant blow to the inquiry, leaving the Home Office scrambling to find a suitable chair to lead the crucial investigation into the heinous crimes committed by grooming gangs.
In a blistering letter to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Gamble lambasted the “highly charged and toxic environment” surrounding the appointment process.
He accused certain individuals of prioritizing their own “vested interests” and engaging in “political opportunism and point-scoring” rather than working towards a consensus to address the issue at hand.
Survivors demand genuine consultation and resignation of safeguarding minister
The grooming gang survivors, who recently quit their roles as government advisers, have called for a “senior sitting or former judge, with no major conflicts of interest in policing or social services” to lead the inquiry.
They also demanded to be “genuinely consulted” on the chairman’s appointment and insisted on the resignation of Jess Phillips as safeguarding minister before they would consider returning to their advisory positions.
Home Office faces headache as top candidates withdraw
With both Gamble and Hudson out of the running, the Home Office is left scrambling to find suitable candidates to chair the inquiry.
It is believed that another senior former police chief with extensive experience in tackling child abuse has been urged to put his name forward, but the ongoing controversy has made the appointment process increasingly challenging.
Sir Keir Starmer attempts to shore up inquiry with Baroness Casey’s support
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced at Prime Minister’s Questions that Baroness Casey would be brought in to support efforts to get the inquiry back on track.
Casey’s rapid review of grooming scandals in June had recommended a time-limited inquiry to uncover the truth behind these heinous crimes.
Gamble appeals to politicians to stop “game playing” and focus on victims
Speaking after his announcement, Gamble called on politicians to stop “game playing” and focus on getting the national inquiry off the ground. He criticized those who had been “mischief-making” by highlighting his former career as a police officer, noting that he had resigned from his position at CEOP in protest of political interference.
Gamble, 65, urged politicians to “park their own petty personal or political issues” and “focus on what’s right for victims.” He emphasized the importance of getting the inquiry up and running without further delay, ensuring that the voices of survivors are heard and justice is served.