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The selection of a new chair for the inquiry into grooming gangs is anticipated to span several months, following disruptions caused by the withdrawal of two leading candidates.
Sources have indicated to the BBC that the government aims to proceed “as fast as possible,” while also seeking to “re-engage with the victims and survivors” to solicit their input on potential candidates to lead the inquiry.
This development follows the resignation of four members from the inquiry’s survivors panel, who have called for the resignation of Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips. They accuse her of “betrayal” for dismissing claims that the investigation might be broadened.
Multiple sources have confirmed to the BBC that the government is determined to maintain Phillips in her current role.
In a related development, five abuse survivors have written to the Prime Minister, stating their continued cooperation with the inquiry is contingent upon Phillips remaining in her position.
The BBC understands that the panel originally comprised 30 individuals – a higher number than previously reported.
On Wednesday, Jim Gamble, the former head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) Centre, withdrew his candidacy to lead the grooming gang inquiry.
The former police officer cited political “point-scoring” as having fostered a “highly charged and toxic environment”.
Mr. Gamble’s withdrawal occurred just a day after Annie Hudson, the former director of Lambeth children’s services, withdrew her candidacy following intense media scrutiny.
A government source informed the BBC that “urgent steps” are being taken “to ensure a new candidate is found”.
“The government will now re-engage with the victims and survivors – to listen to their concerns and take their opinions on the type of person they want to lead the inquiry,” the BBC was told.
“We will move as fast as possible, but must also take the time, likely months, to appoint the right chair,” a source added.
Sir Keir Starmer announced a national inquiry into the sexual exploitation of children by grooming gangs in England and Wales in June.
The Prime Minister stated that the inquiry would have the authority to compel witnesses to testify and would be guided by a panel of survivors, which the BBC understands initially comprised at least 20 members.
However, the past week has been marked by turmoil, with Fiona Goddard and Ellie Reynolds resigning from the survivors panel on Monday, followed by two more, known as “Elizabeth” and “Jess,” on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.
Senior government officials acknowledge the repeated and profound failures of multiple state agencies in addressing the needs of sexual abuse victims, making the establishment of trust exceptionally challenging.
“Upset and vulnerable people hit out when they are in pain, and that is entirely understandable,” one figure told the BBC.
Sources indicate that the panel members hold diverse views and perspectives regarding their willingness to speak out, their opinions on those who choose to do so or not, and their preferences for the inquiry’s leadership and operational structure.
Multiple government sources have emphasized the widespread determination, from Downing Street and the Home Office, to retain Phillips in her current position.
The issue was raised during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, where Sir Keir invited the four former members to rejoin and sought to reassure them that “I want to get this right,” acknowledging the inherent difficulties when “every survivor does bring their own painful experience to this”.
“The inquiry is not and will never be watered down. Its scope will not change. It will examine the ethnicity and religion of the offenders and we will find the right person to chair the inquiry,” he told MPs.
However, palpable frustration persisted among the group, who collectively authored a letter calling for Phillips’ resignation, citing a breach of fragile trust.
Now, a second group of survivors, led by Samantha Walker-Roberts, has addressed a letter to Sir Keir and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, outlining seven conditions for their continued support, including Phillips remaining in her role.
“Jess Phillips has remained impartial to the process, only listening to feedback [and] we want her to remain in position for the duration of the process for consistency,” they wrote.
“Her previous experience and drive to reduce VAWG [violence against women and girls] and her clear passion and commitment is important to us.”
They praised Phillips, who they said had “devoted her life to hearing and amplifying the voices of women and girls who would otherwise have been unheard” and had helped some of them access support.
Earlier today, the first group called on Phillips to quit in order to restore trust in the inquiry, accusing her of “betrayal” for describing reports the scope of the inquiry could be widened as “untrue”.
Headed up by Fiona Goddard, the group of four said they would only re-join it if the minister went, because they had “raised legitimate concerns around the inquiry’s direction” but “in response, your safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips called our accounts untrue”.
Another survivor, known as Carly, from Huddersfield, told the BBC she wanted to remain part of the inquiry, but she also believes Phillips should go, because “she can’t lie about what we all know” around the question of whether to widen the inquiry’s scope.
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