Jim Gamble cites ‘vested interests’ and ‘political opportunism’, as Keir Starmer brings in Louise Casey as adviser
Keir Starmer’s grooming gangs inquiry has descended into fresh turmoil after the only remaining candidate to be its chair blamed “political opportunism” and “a lack of trust” for his withdrawal as an applicant.
As a key survivor called for a face-to-face meeting with the prime minister to save the inquiry, Jim Gamble, a former deputy chief constable, said the process to appoint a committee head was “toxic” and defined by “vested interests”.
The loss of another candidate risked eclipsing attempts by Starmer on Wednesday to get to grips with the inquiry by announcing that Louise Casey, the civil service troubleshooter, will be brought in as an adviser.
It comes after four survivors invited on to an inquiry panel resigned over two days and accused the UK government of attempting to manipulate them into broadening it to include other forms of sexual abuse.
