The national grooming gangs inquiry is plunging into chaos after three abuse survivors dramatically quit, accusing ministers of a cover-up. But Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood insists the probe’s focus “will not change” or be “watered down” – despite growing outrage and delays.

Survivors Walk Out Over Inquiry’s Widening Scope and Leadership Row

Survivors branded the inquiry’s process “a cover-up” and a “toxic environment,” sparking a political firestorm. “Elizabeth,” a survivor using a pseudonym, resigned citing a “toxic environment for survivors.” She followed Fiona Goddard, abused in a Bradford children’s home, and Ellie Reynolds, targeted by a grooming gang in Barrow.

All three slammed the government for expanding the inquiry’s remit beyond grooming gangs and criticised the shortlist for chairperson – former senior social worker Annie Hudson and ex-police deputy chief Jim Gamble – as unsuitable. Goddard blasted: “Policing and social work services contributed most to the cover-up.” Survivors fear it’s “letting services mark their own homework.”

Candidate Pulls Out, Survivors Demand a Judge Chair

In a significant twist, Annie Hudson has withdrawn, leaving Jim Gamble as the sole known frontrunner – but he faces fierce survivor opposition. Ellie Reynolds told BBC Radio 4: “If they were serious, they wouldn’t pick a police officer or social worker. It should be a judge: totally impartial and non-biased.”

This demand matches calls from the Conservative Party for judicial leadership to ensure independence. But Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips has rejected these calls, saying Baroness Casey’s advisory report opposed a traditional judge-led inquiry.

Racial and Religious Dimensions Cause Further Tension

Survivors claim attempts to broaden the inquiry’s scope are designed to downplay the racial and religious backgrounds of perpetrators – mostly British Pakistani men targeting white working-class girls. Reynolds called this the “final turning point” in her decision to quit.

Home Secretary Mahmood responded in The Times, assuring the inquiry will “explicitly examine the ethnicity and religion of offenders.” Still, survivors remain sceptical given months of stalling and evasive answers.

Political Showdown and What’s Next

• Labour’s promise to tackle grooming gangs is under threat as survivors accuse the government of silence and inaction.
• Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp slammed the inquiry as “descending into chaos,” demanding a senior judge chair the probe.
• Goddard called Minister Phillips a “blatant liar” and hinted she might only return if Phillips resigns — a sign of deep distrust.
• Mahmood admitted with “a heavy heart” the panel vacancies and promised the door is open for resigning survivors to return.

The clock is ticking. Mahmood says the chair announcement will come “not much longer.” But survivors and critics warn that if Jim Gamble leads, more walkouts will follow. A fresh search for a judicial chair could mean embarrassing government backtracking. Either way, the inquiry’s credibility lies in tatters before it even starts.