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The government has appointed a former children’s commissioner to lead the inquiry into child sexual abuse committed by grooming gangs. Baroness Anne Longfield, who served as the children’s commissioner for England from 2015 until 2021, will chair the investigation following a turbulent period that saw four women resign from the survivors’ panel and the withdrawal of two leading chair candidates.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the appointment in the House of Commons, describing the inquiry as a crucial “moment of reckoning” and emphasizing the imperative to “root out this evil once and for all.” This inquiry, set to span three years, comes after Prime Minister’s earlier declaration that it would cover England and Wales, in line with recommendations made by Baroness Louise Casey’s audit on group-based child sexual abuse.
Baroness Longfield will work alongside Zoe Billingham CBE, a former HM Constabulary inspector, and Eleanor Kelly CBE, the former chief executive of Southwark Council, both recommended by Baroness Casey after consultations with victims. Meeting with survivors is planned for later in the week. Commenting on her role, Baroness Longfield expressed a commitment to uncovering “the truth, address past failings and ensure that children and young people today are protected in a way that others were not.” However, some survivors remain critical. Fiona Goddard, who resigned from the survivors’ panel in October, criticized the selection process, stating that remaining panel members “have been overlooked and just used to give the impression of victim engagement.” She also questioned Longfield’s independence due to her longstanding affiliation with the Labour Party, despite Longfield’s intention to resign the party whip to assume the role.
The inquiry will involve coordinated local investigations into specific cases of group-based child sexual exploitation. One such investigation has been confirmed for Oldham in Greater Manchester, with further locations yet to be finalized. Home Secretary Mahmood stated that no area will be exempt from examination during the inquiry’s three-year duration, which will operate with a £65 million budget under the draft terms of reference. The inquiry will also explore detailed aspects of offenders’ backgrounds, including ethnicity and religion. The announcement sparked political reactions in Parliament. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp demanded a Prime Ministerial apology after earlier accusations that campaigners for an inquiry were being unfairly branded as far-right. Earlier in the year, Sir Keir Starmer opposed a new national inquiry, citing a prior seven-year investigation and warning that some groups were “jumping on a bandwagon” to “amplify” far-right demands. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch acknowledged progress but stressed that survivors deserve an inquiry that they can trust, highlighting their past feelings of neglect and invisibility.
This inquiry follows a period of considerable instability, with the survivors’ panel experiencing resignations amid protests over government management. Four women stepped down, criticizing Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips and accusing her of “betrayal” for denying claims that the inquiry’s scope might be expanded beyond grooming gangs. Doubts were also expressed over chair candidates with backgrounds in social work and policing, professions where trust has been questioned. Phillips denied accusations of a cover-up and affirmed the government’s dedication to uncovering failures. Notably, five other survivors communicated to the Prime Minister that they would continue their involvement only if Phillips remained in her position
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