Jim Gamble, who was one of the frontrunners to become chair of the grooming gang inquiry, has withdrawn.
In a letter to the home secretary on Wednesday, the former police officer told Shabana Mahmood that he had to enjoy the confidence of victims and survivors if he was to serve on any survivor panel.
He said «it is clear that a lack of confidence due to my previous occupation exists among some.
Jim Gamble giving evidence to MPs in 2010. Pic: PA
«I made a commitment that if this consensus of trust was not present, I would not proceed, and I must now be true to my word.»
Mr Gamble began his career in Northern Ireland, rising to become head of RUC special branch in Belfast.
However, he is best known for his work combating child abuse, and in 2006, he headed up the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, which revolutionized the approach to policing online child abuse networks.
He was one of two known leading candidates for the role.
The other, Annie Hudson, said earlier this week that she no longer wanted to be considered after intense media coverage.
The prime minister launched the inquiry into grooming gangs after an audit by Baroness Louise Casey showed the scale of the problem.
It is understood that the government is exploring a range of other candidates and will provide an update in due course.
A home office spokesperson said: «The grooming gang scandal was one of the darkest moments in this country’s history.
«That is why this government is committed to a full, statutory, national inquiry to uncover the truth. The victims of these heinous crimes deserve nothing less than justice.
Jim Gamble, who was one of the frontrunners to become chair of the grooming gang inquiry, has withdrawn.
In a letter to the home secretary on Wednesday, the former police officer told Shabana Mahmood that he had to enjoy the confidence of victims and survivors if he was to serve on any survivor panel.
He said «it is clear that a lack of confidence due to my previous occupation exists among some.»
Annie Hudson had already withdrawn
Jim Gamble giving evidence to MPs in 2010. Pic: PA
«I made a promise that if there was no consensus of trust, I would not continue, and I must honor that pledge.» This topic is of great sensitivity, requiring careful consideration in selecting the most suitable person for the role. The Home Secretary has emphasized that there will be no tolerance for those who have exploited the most vulnerable individuals in our society.
The commitment to ensuring that the inquiry into grooming gangs will not be diluted was reiterated following discussions between Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions. Badenoch, representing a resigned member of the grooming inquiry, questioned the purpose of the inquiry if its findings were to be disregarded. Starmer affirmed that the inquiry will remain robust and emphasized the importance of centering survivors in the process.
Addressing the shift in Labour’s stance on the necessity of a national inquiry, the Prime Minister expressed a desire to expedite the pursuit of justice for survivors while maintaining their involvement in the process. The goal is to strike a balance that ensures a thorough and fair inquiry.
Marlon West, the father of Scarlett, a victim of grooming who was assaulted by over 60 perpetrators, has called for the resignation of safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. West criticized Phillips for being unresponsive to survivor voices and lacking professionalism. He advocated for family members to be included in the inquiry panel alongside survivors, emphasizing the crucial role families play in dealing with support services.
Victim advocate Ellie-Ann Reynolds, who withdrew from the inquiry, highlighted concerns about the backgrounds of the candidates involved, noting that past affiliations with institutions that had failed victims raised red flags. Reynolds pointed out the need to address the systemic issues that have eroded trust in authorities and support systems.
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Jim Gamble, who was one of the frontrunners to become chair of the grooming gang inquiry, has withdrawn.
In a letter to the home secretary on Wednesday, the former police officer told Shabana Mahmood that he had to enjoy the confidence of victims and survivors if he was to serve on any survivor panel.
He said «it is clear that a lack of confidence due to my previous occupation exists among some.
Annie Hudson had already withdrawn
Jim Gamble giving evidence to MPs in 2010. Pic: PA
«I made a commitment that if this consensus of trust was not present, I would not proceed, and I must now be true to my word.»
Mr Gamble began his career in Northern Ireland, rising to become head of RUC special branch in Belfast.
However, he is best known for his work combating child abuse, and in 2006, he headed up the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, which revolutionised the approach to policing online child abuse networks.
He was one of two known leading candidates for the role.
The other, Annie Hudson, said earlier this week that she no longer wanted to be considered after intense media coverage.
The prime minister launched the inquiry into grooming gangs after an audit by Baroness Louise Casey showed the scale of the problem.
It is understood that the government is exploring a range of other candidates and will provide an update in due course.
A home office spokesperson said: «The grooming gang scandal was one of the darkest moments in this country’s history.
«That is why this government is committed to a full, statutory, national inquiry to uncover the truth.
SOURCE
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