Overview

• Fiona Goddard resigned from the Victims/Survivor Liaison Panel, alleging a secretive process that created a “toxic, fearful environment” and risked silencing survivors.
• She objected to shortlisted chair candidates Jim Gamble and Annie Hudson, arguing that appointing leaders from policing and social work poses a conflict of interest and would undermine trust.
• Goddard criticised “condescending and controlling language” toward survivors and said some were promised consultation on the chair but were later excluded under a “first come first served” approach.
• The two candidates are due to meet the panel on Tuesday as terms for the national inquiry remain under discussion, with reported disputes over whether to widen the scope beyond street‑based grooming gangs.
• A Home Office spokesperson rejected claims the inquiry is being watered down and said it will be thorough and victim‑focused, noting earlier government commitments to local inquiries, cold‑case reviews and the Casey audit that found major data gaps.