The national inquiry into grooming gangs ordered by Sir Keir Starmer faces new turmoil after Annie Hudson, one of two final candidates to lead the process, withdrew her candidacy. Hudson, a former director of children’s services for Lambeth, informed survivors on Tuesday that she no longer wished to be considered following intense media scrutiny.
Her decision comes after three abuse survivors resigned from the victims and survivors liaison panel, accusing the Home Office and ministers of sidelining them and manipulating the inquiry’s agenda. “Elizabeth”, who is not her real name, stepped down on Tuesday, joining Fiona Goddard and Ellie Reynolds, who quit the panel on Monday.
Criticism has centred on the shortlisted candidates, with Goddard and Reynolds arguing it was inappropriate to have a former social worker or police officer lead the inquiry, given previous failures by these professions. In her resignation letter, Goddard stated: “Having a police officer or social worker leading the inquiry would once again be letting services mark their own homework.”
The survivors have also accused officials of broadening the inquiry’s scope to downplay the racial and religious motivations behind grooming gang abuse. Reynolds said the “final turning point” was a move to widen the inquiry “in ways that downplay the racial and religious motivations behind our abuse”. Elizabeth described the process as “scripted and predetermined”, likening it to “a cover-up of a cover-up”.
Responding to the resignations, Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips denied claims of a cover-up, insisting the government was “committed to exposing the failures”. She told MPs: “Not all victims are of the same opinion… I will engage with all the victims, regardless of their opinions.” Downing Street acknowledged that victims had been let down by the prioritisation of community relations.
With Hudson’s withdrawal, Jim Gamble, a former head of the Royal Ulster Constabulary special branch, remains the only publicly known candidate. Home Office sources said other candidates were still being considered, with final interviews scheduled for this week.
