Overview
- Fiona Goddard and Ellie-Ann Reynolds resigned from the Victims/Survivor Liaison Panel, alleging a toxic environment, secretive conduct and “condescending and controlling language” toward survivors.
- Reporting indicates some panel members were limited from attending sessions with shortlisted chair candidates and asked to pre-submit questions for review by the Home Office team.
- Former police chief Jim Gamble and senior social worker Annie Hudson are due to meet panel members, but survivors argue their backgrounds pose conflicts of interest and urge a judge-led process.
- Debate over the remit has intensified as survivors oppose widening the probe beyond street-based grooming gangs or shifting to region-wide investigations, warning this would dilute focus and delay accountability.
- Downing Street and the Home Office deny any watering down, say they are working urgently to appoint the best chair, and decline to set a timetable while the selection process continues.