Survivors Demand Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips’ Resignation
Sir Keir Starmer is standing by Jess Phillips despite a fierce backlash from grooming gang survivors who accuse her of “betrayal.” The row exploded after Phillips called survivors’ concerns about widening the grooming gang inquiry “untrue” and “misinformation.”
These brave women, who suffered horrific abuse, say Phillips’ public letter completely ignored their painful experiences during consultation sessions — sparking outrage and deep mistrust.
Inquiry in Turmoil: Panel Members Quit, Chair Candidates Pull Out
- Four survivors — Fiona Goddard, Ellie Reynolds, Elizabeth, and Jessica — have quit the victims’ panel, accusing the inquiry of sidelining and manipulating them.
- The two shortlisted chair hopefuls, ex-social worker Annie Hudson and former police officer Jim Gamble, have both withdrawn amid media storms and survivor objections.
- With no chair and a fractured panel, the inquiry looks paralysed and leaderless.
Phillips’ Denials Slammed as “Blatant Lies” by Survivors
Fiona Goddard, one of the survivors who quit, branded Phillips’ denials as “blatant lies.” She says she won’t return unless Phillips resigns.
The controversy revolves around Phillips rejecting claims the inquiry’s scope might now cover all child sexual exploitation — not just grooming gangs — despite survivors repeatedly raising this in consultations.
“She dismissed our concerns as misinformation. That’s a betrayal of everything we went through,” Goddard said.
Starmer Backs Phillips Amid Outrage, Fuels Accusations of a Cover-Up
Downing Street insists Sir Keir Starmer has “full confidence” in Jess Phillips, praising her career fight for victims and vow to “get them justice.”
But critics accuse Starmer of choosing political loyalty over listening to survivors. With the inquiry delayed for months and its credibility in shambles, voices are calling for a fresh start — led by a senior judge, not government appointees who have failed victims.
Aftermath: What’s Next for the Embattled Inquiry?
- The government promises a six-week review into the inquiry’s catastrophic failures.
- Dame Louise Casey has been named to “support” the inquiry, but her role is unclear with no chair in place.
- Conservative opposition demands judicial leadership, highlighting the collapse of the panel and chair candidates.
- Survivors refuse to return without real reform, with some insisting Phillips must quit before they engage again.
This scandal presents a stark choice: whose voices matter more — the survivors who lived nightmare abuse or the Safeguarding Minister who dismissed their truths? Sir Keir Starmer’s answer has left survivors feeling betrayed and ignored.
