A second candidate has withdrawn from consideration to chair the national grooming gang inquiry. This development occurred following the resignation of four women from the inquiry's survivor panel, comprising Fiona Goddard, Ellie Reynolds, Elizabeth (anonymized), and Jess (anonymized). Conversely, two other survivors, Samantha Walker-Roberts and Carly, have stated their intention to remain on the panel. During Prime Minister's Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch cited concerns from the departing survivors, stating they believe the inquiry would "downplay the racial and religious motivations behind their abuse" and questioning if victims were "right when they call it a cover-up." In response, Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged that "survivors have been ignored for many years" and affirmed the inquiry's commitment to address past injustices, announcing the involvement of Dame Louise Casey. Sir Keir further stated that the inquiry's scope would not change, confirming it would examine the ethnicity and religion of offenders, and emphasized the commitment to appoint the appropriate chair. The article also notes a safeguarding minister reportedly stated Elizabeth's concerns were incorrect.
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