Overview
- Fiona Goddard and Ellie‑Ann Reynolds resigned from the victims and survivors liaison panel, alleging a toxic, secretive process and condescending treatment by officials.
- Both criticised a reported shortlist of potential chairs—former police chief Jim Gamble and social worker Annie Hudson—arguing such backgrounds pose perceived conflicts of interest.
- They warned that expanding the remit beyond gang‑based child sexual exploitation risks replicating IICSA‑style delays and, in Reynolds’s words, downplaying racial and religious factors.
- Downing Street and the Home Office said the inquiry is not being watered down and that they are working urgently to appoint the right chair with survivors at the heart of the process.
- Opposition figures, including Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, demanded a judge‑led inquiry and a clear timetable, as reports indicate senior legal figures have been reluctant to take the role.