Survivors Demand Safeguarding Minister’s Resignation
Sir Keir Starmer has thrown his weight behind Jess Phillips, even as five grooming gang survivors publicly accuse her of “betrayal.” The row erupted after Phillips dismissed survivors’ concerns about expanding the scope of the grooming gangs inquiry as “untrue” and “misinformation.”
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These women, who endured horrific abuse, claim Phillips’ letter outright contradicted their lived experiences during consultation sessions, sparking fury and deep distrust.
Inquiry in Chaos: Panel Members Quit, Chairs Withdraw
- Four survivors – Fiona Goddard, Ellie Reynolds, Elizabeth, and Jessica – have quit the inquiry’s victims panel, accusing the process of sidelining and manipulating them.
- Both shortlisted chair candidates, former social worker Annie Hudson and ex-police officer Jim Gamble, have withdrawn amidst media pressure and survivor objections.
- With no leader and a fractured panel, the inquiry appears stalled and rudderless.
Phillips’ Denials Slammed as “Blatant Lies”
Fiona Goddard, one survivor who quit, branded Phillips’ claims “blatant lies” and said she would only consider returning if Phillips resigned. The row centres on Phillips publicly rejecting reports that the inquiry’s scope might cover all child sexual exploitation, not just grooming gangs – claims survivors say were made repeatedly during consultations.
“She dismissed our concerns as misinformation. That’s a betrayal of everything we went through,” said Goddard.
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Starmer’s Backing Sparks Fury and Accusations of Cover-Up
Despite the scandal and growing survivor outrage, Downing Street insists Starmer has “full confidence” in Phillips. A spokesman said she has “spent her career fighting for victims” and remains “determined to get them justice.”
