Starmer’s grooming gang inquiry in turmoil after two survivors quit

Published: 21 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Keir Starmer’s national grooming gang inquiry has been plunged into uncertainty after two survivors resigned from its oversight panel, citing “contempt” and “political interference” by the Home Office and Labour before the appointment of a chair.

Ellie-Ann Reynolds and Fiona Goddard stepped down on Monday, criticising the inquiry for “condescending and controlling language used towards survivors” during the process. Their resignations come at a sensitive stage, as the panel prepares to meet two prospective candidates for chair: former deputy chief constable Jim Gamble and Annie Hudson, chair of the child safeguarding practice review panel.

Reynolds, from Barrow, described her frustrations, stating: “The Home Office held meetings we weren’t told about, made decisions we could not question, and withheld information that directly affected our work. When I asked for clarity, I was treated with contempt and ignored.”

Goddard, abused while living in a children’s home in Bradford, raised concerns over conflicts of interest among stakeholders and the potential dilution of the inquiry’s focus. Both survivors warned that expanding the inquiry beyond known grooming gang victims could prolong proceedings and divert attention from established cases.

The Guardian recently reported that discussions over the statutory investigation’s terms are still ongoing four months after the Prime Minister, under public pressure, officially announced the inquiry. Survivors have objected to calls by Labour mayor Tracy Brabin to broaden the inquiry to examine regional trends, arguing it risks diluting its impact. Brabin and her deputy, Alison Lowe, requested that the inquiry consider grooming gang activity across West Yorkshire.

One source close to the inquiry noted, “Survivors want justice, and that means focusing on specific victims in specific places and getting to the bottom of who knew what and when. If you widen the inquiry, it will become too vague.”

Goddard emphasised the risk of repeating the drawn-out nature of previous investigations, referencing the seven-year Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) led by Prof Alexis Jay. In her resignation email, she said, “Expanding the scope of this inquiry risks it being watered down and once again failing to get to the truth.”

She also raised concerns that potential chairs, being from policing or social work backgrounds, could create perceived conflicts of interest due to historical failures in protecting children. “This is a disturbing conflict of interest, and I fear the lack of trust in services from years of failings and corruption will have a negative impact on survivor engagement with this inquiry,” she wrote.

So far, 61 defendants are charged or listed to stand trial across 14 investigations in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield. Survivors argue that a focused approach is critical to uncovering the truth behind these crimes.

Lowe defended the regional approach, stating, “Our actions in West Yorkshire have always been guided by survivors, and that is why we are taking action to get them justice. The evidence shows that this appalling crime is not confined to one part of our region. We have written to the home secretary to invite the chair of the inquiry to West Yorkshire, as well as examining the issues within each district, so we can ensure justice is provided for all victims.”

Lawyer Richard Scorer, representing roughly 30 grooming gang victims, warned of potential political interference. “I’m very concerned at the suggestions I’ve heard that the Home Office is seeking to stage-manage this process. I know survivors are concerned about it too. To be effective, this inquiry has to be able, where necessary, to criticise the actions of politicians at both national and local levels,” he said.

In response, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips denied any cover-up or political interference in a letter to the Home Affairs Select Committee. “It is by no means exceptional for an inquiry to be announced a few months before a chair is appointed. The conduct and procedure of the inquiry will be a matter for the chair, but the terms of reference will be clear that its scope will be laser-focused, as Baroness Casey recommended,” she stated.

A Home Office spokesperson reiterated the department’s commitment to the inquiry. “The abuse of children by grooming gangs is one of the most horrific crimes imaginable. We will do everything in our power to ensure these crimes never happen again. That is why we have launched a statutory inquiry – equipped with the powers and resources required to get to the truth and deliver justice to the survivors,” the statement read.

The resignations of Reynolds and Goddard have highlighted the fragility of the inquiry’s early stages and amplified concerns about survivor trust, the scope of investigations, and potential political influence. With the appointment of a chair still pending, the inquiry faces scrutiny over how it balances thorough investigation, survivor engagement, and independence from political pressures.