Ex-policeman set to head grooming gangs inquiry says it’s toxic | UK | News
The investigation into the grooming gang was thrown into chaos after Jim Gamble, a former police chief and international campaigner against child sexual abuse, withdrew his candidacy to head the inquiry.
Gamble’s decision came after victims described the investigation as “toxic” and expressed a loss of confidence in the process.
Gamble’s withdrawal comes after social worker Annie Hudson dropped out of the nomination on Tuesday. The departures dealt a significant blow to the investigation and left the Home Office scrambling to find a suitable chair to lead the crucial investigation into heinous crimes committed by the gangs.
In a scathing letter to Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood, Gamble criticized the “highly charged and toxic environment” surrounding the appointment process.
He accused some people of prioritizing their own “vested interests” and engaging in “political opportunism and point-scoring” rather than trying to reach a consensus to resolve the issue at hand.
Survivors demand genuine consultation and resignation of conservation minister
Survivors of the grooming gang, who recently quit their jobs as government advisers, called for “a senior judge or former judge with no major conflict of interest in policing or social services” to lead the investigation.
They also demanded that they be “genuinely consulted” on the president’s appointment and insisted that Jess Phillips resign as protection minister before considering returning to advisory positions.
Home Office faces headache as top candidates withdraw
With both Gamble and Hudson out of the race, the Home Office struggles to find suitable candidates to lead the investigation.
Another senior former police chief with extensive experience tackling child abuse is believed to have been asked to put forward his name, but ongoing discussions have made the appointment process increasingly challenging.
Sir Keir Starmer seeks to support inquiry with support from Baroness Casey
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced at Prime Minister’s Questions that Baroness Casey would be brought in to support efforts to get the investigation back on track.
Casey’s rapid-fire review of the grooming scandals in June recommended a time-limited investigation to uncover the truth behind these heinous crimes.
Gamble calls on politicians to stop “playing games” and focus on victims
Speaking after his announcement, Gamble called on politicians to stop “playing games” and focus on launching the national inquiry. Noting his previous career as a police officer, he criticized those who “misbehaved” and stated that he resigned from his position at CEOP in protest against political interference.
Gamble, 65, called on politicians to “put aside their own petty personal or political issues” and “focus on what’s right for the victims.” He emphasized the importance of initiating and launching the investigation without further delay to ensure that the voices of survivors are heard and justice is served.
