Government Grooming Gang Inquiry in Meltdown as Survivors Clash Over Jess Phillips
The Government’s high-profile grooming gang inquiry is in turmoil. Abuse survivors are bitterly divided over whether Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips should remain in charge. The fallout has thrown the entire inquiry into doubt, putting its future in jeopardy.
Survivors Split: Four Quit, Five Rally Behind Phillips
Shockwaves hit the inquiry this week after four survivors – Fiona Goddard, Ellie Reynolds, Elizabeth Harper, and one known only as Jessica – quit the victims liaison panel. They accused Phillips of “betrayal” and demanded she step down amid fears the inquiry is being softened.
“Being publicly contradicted and dismissed by a government minister when you are a survivor telling the truth takes you right back to that feeling of not being believed all over again,” their explosive letter said. “It is a betrayal that has destroyed what little trust remained.”
But a rival survivor faction, led by Samantha Walker-Roberts, hit back. They urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to keep Phillips for crucial continuity, praising her dedication to tackling violence against women.
Row Over Inquiry’s Scope Sparks Fallout
The bitter dispute boils down to the inquiry’s remit. Some survivors want it expanded beyond grooming gangs to cover wider child sexual exploitation. An email from survivor charity NWG pressed panel members on adopting this “broader approach.”
Phillips has denied any plans to widen the inquiry’s scope, insisting it will remain focused on grooming gangs. However, leaked text messages obtained by New Statesman show Phillips admitted privately she favoured sticking to grooming gangs – but wanted survivor input before deciding. Critics say this contradicts her public claims and fuels mistrust.
Survivor Ellie Reynolds accused the inquiry of “downplaying the racial and religious motivations behind our abuse,” adding they had proof to back their resistance to broadening the probe.
Chair Hunt Collapses Amid Candidate Dropouts
The Government’s search for a new chairperson hit a major snag. Two top candidates, Annie Hudson and former police official Jim Gamble, pulled out within days. Gamble cited survivor distrust due to his policing background and condemned “misleading” attacks on his impartiality.
Gamble slammed the process, saying: “The chairship should be about integrity, not institutional ties.” He questioned if the inquiry should even be led by a judge. Nonetheless, some survivors back a judge-led inquiry, including Gaia Cooper – who also resigned from the panel.
Officials warn appointing a new chair could take months as they scramble to rebuild survivor trust and find a unifying figure. A Home Office spokesperson said they were “disappointed” by withdrawals but remain committed to a robust investigation.
Political Firestorm and Public Pressure
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer backed Phillips in Parliament, pledging the inquiry’s focus won’t shift and promising offenders’ ethnicity and religion will be examined. PM Rishi Sunak stood firmly behind Phillips, applauding her experience fighting violence against women and girls.
But Tory MPs are demanding Phillips quits. James Cleverly said: “When victims say they don’t trust her, we have to listen.” Lib Dems slammed both parties, branding the inquiry a “political football.”
The inquiry, launched after Baroness Casey’s damning review, faces intense public anger over past failures to protect children—particularly in working-class white British communities—and lingering controversy over how ethnic backgrounds of perpetrators were discussed.
What’s Next for the Turbulent Inquiry?
- Survivor groups remain bitterly divided over leadership and remit.
- Government aims to appoint a chair trusted by all survivors.
- Ministers vow to keep inquiry focused on grooming gangs despite calls to widen the scope.
- Sir Keir plans direct talks with survivors to rebuild shattered trust.
The grooming gang inquiry’s future looks grim. With tensions soaring and trust in ruins, survivors and politicians alike are digging in their heels. This saga is far from over.
