Grooming gangs inquiry 'could be delayed until next year' as Starmer backs Phillips despite calls to quit
The inquiry could be delayed until 2026 as Government sources say finding a chair could take months
The inquiry into grooming gangs could be delayed until 2026 after Government sources admitted that finding a chair to head up the probe could take months.
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The inquiry has been thrown into chaos in recent days after separate groups of victims both supported, and demanded the resignation of Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips.
This followed the withdrawal of both candidates to lead the inquiry.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has backed Phillips and said on Thursday: “The most important thing in relation to the grooming gangs is that we have the national inquiry and that absolutely gets to the truth and to justice."
He added: “The safeguarding minister has huge experience in issues relating to violence against women and girls. She’s devoted vast parts of her life and career to that and so I do have confidence in her and Louise Casey in leading this project.
“But it is very important that I say to all survivors that I give my personal assurance that this inquiry will go wherever it needs to go. The scope will not be changed.”
Read More: Grooming victim Jo is 'disgusted' by the Tories' treatment of Jess Phillips
Starmer has called in Whitehall troubleshooter Baroness Casey to support the inquiry, but Government sources are now admitting the search for a chair could take months.
There are currently no candidates left in the running after former police chief Jim Gamble and director of children's services Annie Hudson both withdrew.
Mr Gamble had been the leading option to chair the inquiry.
Read more: Jess Phillips has 'full support' of PM despite calls from grooming gang survivors for her to resign
But speaking to LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on Thursday, he accused ministers of "petty politicking" and failing to put victims and survivors at the centre on the inquiry.
Labour ministers will now "take the time, likely months," to appoint the right chair, a source confirmed.
They added the Government is taking urgent steps to find new candidates after the exit of Mr Gamble.
Four of the women who quit have said they would be prepared to return if safeguarding minister Jess Phillips resigns, while five of those still on the advisory panel have said they would only stay if she remained in post.
In their letter to the Home Secretary, the four victims said that "evidence has since proven we were telling the truth."
One of the four, Ellie-Ann Reynolds, said the final turning point for her was "the push to change the remit, to widen it in ways that downplay the racial and religious motivations behind our abuse."
Ms Reynolds, Fiona Goddard, Elizabeth Harper and a woman signed only as 'Jessica' stated in the letter that there are five conditions that must be met for them to return to the advisory panel.
Sir Keir Starmer said on Thursday he "of course" has faith in Ms Phillips.
The Government will now re-engage with survivors to listen to their concerns and take their opinions on who they want to lead the inquiry, according to the source.
There were originally around 30 survivors on the panel.
Baroness Louise Casey, who has been drafted in to support the work of the probe, will work closely with the Government on finding a new field of candidates for chair.