The national inquiry into grooming gangs in the UK has plunged into further turmoil following a series of resignations from its overseeing panel of child sexual exploitation survivors, coupled with deep concerns regarding the inquiry's scope and the selection of its chair. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has intervened with strong assurances, yet accusations of a 'toxic environment' and a 'cover-up' persist, threatening the credibility of the critical investigation.

Four abuse survivors, including Fiona Goddard, Ellie-Ann Reynolds, Elizabeth (a pseudonym), and Jessica (a pseudonym), have stepped down from the victims and survivors liaison panel. They cited profound concerns about the process, alleging 'secretive conduct' and the use of 'condescending and controlling language' towards them. A primary grievance has been the perceived attempt by government officials to broaden the inquiry's remit beyond group-based child sexual exploitation (specifically 'grooming gangs') to a wider range of child sexual abuse. Survivors argue this would dilute the inquiry's focus on the systemic failures of local authorities, police, and other officials to tackle grooming by largely Pakistani gangs, potentially serving political ends by deflecting blame from Labour-led councils or avoiding the uncomfortable issue of perpetrators' ethnicity.

Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, has repeatedly asserted that the inquiry's scope 'will not change' and 'will never be watered down' on her watch. In statements and op-eds, she pledged the probe would leave 'no hiding place' for those involved in the scandal, emphasizing that it must focus on 'evil child rapists.' She affirmed the inquiry's power to compel witnesses and its commitment to examining the ethnicity and religion of offenders. While acknowledging frustrations about the pace, Mahmood insisted on a 'robust and rigorous' process and stated that the door remains open for resigned panel members should they wish to return.

The controversy intensified around Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, who survivors accused of lying about efforts to widen the inquiry's scope. Fiona Goddard, in particular, claimed to have text messages contradicting Phillips' public denials. Ms. Goddard called for Phillips' resignation, stating her conduct was 'unacceptable.' During bruising clashes in the Commons, Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, stated that Phillips had lost the confidence of victims. However, Sir Keir Starmer and the Prime Minister defended Ms. Phillips, highlighting her extensive experience in dealing with violence against women and girls, while also acknowledging that opinions varied among victims.

Adding to the chaos, two potential candidates to chair the inquiry have withdrawn. Annie Hudson, a former director of children's services for Lambeth, reportedly withdrew her candidacy following media coverage. More significantly, former police officer Jim Gamble also stepped away from consideration, blaming the 'highly charged and toxic environment' and acknowledging a lack of confidence among some victims due to his previous occupation. Gamble stated his commitment that an individual in this critical role must have the confidence of victims and survivors, a consensus he felt was not present. Survivors, like Jessica, expressed shock and distrust at the consideration of former police officers and social workers, professions they felt had failed them in the past.

In an effort to stabilize the situation, Sir Keir Starmer announced that Dame Louise Casey would now support the work of the inquiry. Dame Louise Casey, a former victims' commissioner, had previously led a national audit of group-based child sexual exploitation, which found 'many examples' of organizations avoiding discussions about 'ethnicity or cultural factors' for fear of appearing racist. Her audit findings were instrumental in prompting Sir Keir to order the creation of this national inquiry.

Despite the turmoil and accusations of political opportunism and point-scoring, the Home Office maintains its commitment to appointing the best suitable person to chair the inquiry. Home Secretary Mahmood reiterated that the task of appointing a chair is challenging due to the intense pressure, but stressed the importance of getting it right. Both Mahmood and Starmer affirmed that the inquiry would get to the truth, ensuring 'no hiding place' for abusers and those who ignored or covered up victims' suffering.