Jess Phillips quit calls ‘inevitable’ as grooming gang inquiry descends into chaos | UK | News
Calls for Jess Phillips to resign after the Government’s grooming gang investigation descended into chaos are “understandable and inevitable”, according to leading harassment lawyer Alan Collins. Mr Collins, a partner at Bolt Burdon Kemp who represents victims of child sexual abuse, said the resignation of four survivors from the inquiry’s victims’ contact panel and the withdrawal of two potential seats constituted a “vote of no confidence” in the safeguarding minister and the wider process.
The inquiry was set up to investigate how institutions in the UK dealt with group-based child sexual abuse, but struggled to get off the ground due to disagreements over its scope and leadership. Survivors have repeatedly warned that without their trust and meaningful participation the process would fail.
Mr Collins said: “Minister Jess Phillips may think she has been unfairly criticized but that is to miss the point – what happened was on her watch. Calls for her resignation were inevitable and survivors calling for her resignation are right to do so because the credibility of the investigation has been destroyed.”
The intervention puts further pressure on Ms Phillips, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Protection and Violence Against Women and Girls; He faces criticism from survivors for allegedly dismissing their concerns and trying to dilute the scope of the investigation.
Earlier this week, four survivor representatives – Ellie-Ann Reynolds, Fiona Goddard, Elizabeth Harper and a woman known only as “Jessica” – left the government’s victims’ contact panel. In a letter to Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood, they said they would return only if Ms Phillips resigned, the investigation was conducted by a judge and survivors could participate without fear of reprisal.
The crisis deepened when two candidates to head the investigation – former children’s services director Annie Hudson and former police officer Jim Gamble – withdrew within 24 hours. Gamble noted the “lack of trust” of survivors due to his policing background and accused politicians of “playing games” that disrespected the victims.
Months after it was announced it would review how authorities handle child sexual abuse, resignations and withdrawals have left the investigation leaderless and directionless.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisted the inquiry “will not be watered down” and continues to support Ms Phillips and Baroness Louise Casey, who were appointed to help restructure the process. But survivors say their trust has been “destroyed” and the investigation risks failing before it even begins.
Mr Collins, who has acted on behalf of victims in several major abuse investigations, said the involvement of all survivors was necessary for the investigation to gain legitimacy.
He said: “The involvement of survivors is necessary for the investigation to have a chance. Without this, the process will be pointless, aimless and lacking in credibility.”
He backed survivors’ calls for a fully independent judge-led investigation, warning that anything less would lack legitimacy.
He said: “The investigation needs to be led by the judge and the judge must release him wherever the evidence takes him. It will undoubtedly be painful but it is very necessary.”
The country needs this research. “The grooming gang scandal is a persistent wound and it will not heal as long as we continue to tiptoe around issues that are seen as toxic.”
Urging ministers to act quickly to restore trust, he added: “The inquest is floundering and if a suitable chair is not identified and appointed quickly, survivors’ confidence will fall off a cliff. A UK or Commonwealth judge would be a strong choice – especially given the intense media scrutiny this inquiry will face.”
“Most importantly, the investigation needs to be robust and comprehensive. Urgent work is needed to ensure victims of abuse have confidence in the process.”
“Perception is half the problem; if people don’t trust themselves, they won’t engage.”
The Home Office said it remained committed to appointing “the best person for the role” and confirmed Ms Phillips retained the “full support” of the Prime Minister and Home Secretary.
Mr Collins said the Government now faces a critical test of competence.
He explained: “The inquiry will only succeed if ministers act decisively to restore trust, appoint an independent chair and give survivors meaningful influence over the process. Unless action is taken urgently, this inquiry risks collapsing under the weight of its own mismanagement and will fail to deliver justice to those who have already suffered so much.”
