A senior lawyer has dramatically resigned from Britain's independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs, dealing a significant blow to the high-profile investigation.
Fiona Goddard, who served as lead counsel for the inquiry's investigation into institutional responses to child sexual abuse in the north of England, stepped down from her position this week. Her departure comes amid growing concerns about the inquiry's handling of victim testimony and support services.
Mounting Concerns Over Inquiry Direction
Sources close to the investigation suggest Goddard's resignation stems from fundamental disagreements about how victims and survivors are being treated within the inquiry process. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) has faced ongoing criticism about its approach to supporting those who come forward with traumatic experiences.
The resignation raises serious questions about the internal dynamics of an investigation that was established to provide accountability and justice for victims of organized child sexual exploitation across multiple UK cities.
Impact on Grooming Gang Investigations
Goddard's departure is particularly significant as she was leading the inquiry's work examining how authorities responded to grooming gangs in areas including Rochdale, Rotherham, and other towns where systematic abuse was uncovered.
Her exit follows previous controversies surrounding the inquiry, including concerns about whether it would adequately address the specific failures that allowed grooming gangs to operate with impunity for years.
Growing Pressure on Inquiry Leadership
The resignation places additional pressure on inquiry chair Professor Alexis Jay, who has faced scrutiny over the investigation's pace and methodology. Survivor groups have expressed alarm at the latest development, fearing it could further delay justice for victims.
This isn't the first high-profile departure from the inquiry, which has seen several senior figures leave since its establishment, raising concerns about stability and consistency in addressing one of the UK's most sensitive and complex child protection issues.
What This Means for Victims and Survivors
Victim advocacy groups have warned that ongoing instability within the inquiry risks re-traumatizing those who have already suffered immensely. Many survivors had placed their trust in the investigation to deliver meaningful recommendations for reform.
The government-backed inquiry continues its work amid calls for greater transparency about the reasons behind Goddard's resignation and assurances about the investigation's future direction.
