Jim Gamble, the former deputy chief constable, has withdrawn as the only remaining candidate to chair the government’s grooming gangs inquiry, blaming “political opportunism” and “a lack of trust” among survivors. His decision plunges the inquiry into further turmoil after four survivors resigned from the liaison panel earlier this week.
In his withdrawal letter, Gamble cited a “lack of confidence” due to his previous police career, and criticised “those who have been mischief-making” by highlighting his former role. He described the appointment process as “toxic” and defined by “vested interests”. Keir Starmer has responded by appointing Louise Casey, the civil service troubleshooter, as an adviser to the inquiry.
Survivor Fiona Goddard, who was abused in a Bradford children’s home, called for a face-to-face meeting with the prime minister to press for a judge-led inquiry. “It has to be a judge or a lawyer… with no connections to institutions that could be investigated,” she said. “No way can a police officer head this inquiry.”
Starmer told MPs he acknowledged the resignations and left the door open for survivors to return, but insisted the scope of the inquiry would not be diluted. He faces pressure from opposition leader Kemi Badenoch over the handling of the process.
