The last remaining candidate to chair the government's grooming gangs inquiry has withdrawn, citing 'vested interests' and 'political opportunism'. Jim Gamble, a former deputy chief constable, said the appointment process had become 'toxic' and defined by a 'lack of trust'. His withdrawal came as Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Louise Casey, a civil service troubleshooter, would act as an adviser to the inquiry.
Four abuse survivors who had been invited onto a liaison panel resigned over two days, accusing the Home Office of trying to manipulate them into broadening the inquiry to include other forms of sexual abuse. One survivor, Fiona Goddard, called for a face-to-face meeting with Starmer to discuss the inquiry's direction. She insisted the chair must be a judge or lawyer with no connections to institutions under scrutiny.
In his withdrawal letter, Gamble said he stepped back due to a 'lack of confidence' among some survivors because of his police background. He later criticised 'mischief-making' over his career, calling it 'nonsense' to suggest he would align with any political party. Speaking to Sky News, he cited 'growing toxicity' and misinformation that disrespected victims and survivors.
Survivors have raised concerns that the government may be seeking to deflect focus from Labour-led councils, impose a government-friendly chair, and avoid questions about the ethnicity of perpetrators, many of whom were of Pakistani descent. Goddard stressed that no police officer should head the inquiry, noting that some victims were raped by officers.
In the Commons, Starmer acknowledged the resignations and left the door open for survivors to return. He confirmed that Lady Casey would support the inquiry's work. Under pressure from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Starmer stated that the inquiry's scope would not be narrowed.
